Source: ANI
Subject: Security
Context: The Indian Navy marked a major indigenous shipbuilding milestone with the launch of Shachi (Yard 1280), the first of eleven Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), at Goa Shipyard Limited.
About Launch of First Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (Yard 1280, Shachi):
What It Is?
- Shachi is the lead ship of the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) The name is derived from Indian mythology, meaning one who renders assistance. These vessels are designed to be highly versatile, indigenously built platforms that will significantly augment the Indian Navy’s existing fleet of ten Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Built By:
The construction of the eleven-ship NGOPV project is being undertaken concurrently at two major Indian shipyards:
- Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa: Builder of the first ship, Shachi.
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata: Working on subsequent vessels in the class.
Aim: The primary objective of the NGOPV project is to strengthen India’s maritime security by providing advanced platforms capable of performing multi-domain operations.
Key Features:
- Indigenous Design: The ships are entirely designed and built within India, showcasing domestic engineering capabilities.
- Multi-Domain Versatility: Capable of executing a wide array of missions, including:
- Defence and Surveillance: Monitoring maritime boundaries and territorial waters.
- Search and Rescue (SAR): Conducting life-saving operations at sea.
- Protection of Offshore Assets: Guarding critical infrastructure like oil rigs and pipelines.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Providing rapid aid during natural calamities.
- Anti-Piracy Missions: Securing sea lanes against maritime crime.
- Symbolic Identity: The crest design of the NGOPV class features the Ursa Major constellation and a red and white lighthouse, symbolizing guidance and vigilance.
Significance:
- The project is a major step in the Indian Navy’s pursuit of indigenous shipbuilding, reducing reliance on foreign hardware.
- The launch is in strict consonance with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India initiatives.
