New Delhi: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has launched Shreyas, the third of four next-generation offshore patrol vessels being built for the Indian Navy. The launch marks another step in the Navy’s 11-ship programme to strengthen maritime surveillance and protect India’s interests at sea.
The vice-chief of the air staff, and Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. His wife, Reyman Kochhar, formally launched the vessel in the presence of senior officials from GRSE and the Indian Navy.
The launch follows Sanghmitra in May and Shruti on August 11. RNA Media had earlier reported the launch of Shruti, the second vessel in GRSE’s four-ship order. With Shreyas launched on Saturday, GRSE has launched three vessels in less than five months.
The name Shreyas comes from Sanskrit and refers to auspiciousness and the path of the highest good. The launch ceremony included traditional rituals and the chanting of Vedic verses.
As indicated by GRSE, the new offshore patrol vessels are more advanced than previous one. The new offshore patrol vessels are bigger and have more capabilities than their predecessors. Shreyas has a length of about 113 meters and a width of 14.6 meters, with a displacement of about 3,000 tons. Its maximum speed is 23 knots (42.6 km/h) and has a range of 8,500 nautical (926 kilometres approximately) miles when traveling at its cruising speed of 14 knots.
These capabilities will allow the vessels to remain at sea for extended periods. They will help the Navy to monitor coastal and offshore areas and protect important maritime assets.
From anti-piracy patrols to rescue missions
The vessels are designed for coastal surveillance, maritime interdiction and the protection of offshore installations. They will also undertake antipiracy patrols, counter-infiltration operations and visit, board, search and seizure missions.
Their roles will extend beyond security operations. They are also designed for mine warfare, special operations, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The ships can additionally support hospital services, communications intelligence and fleet maintenance. These capabilities will allow the Navy to use them for different operational requirements.
Navy stresses for stronger maritime presence
Speaking at the launch, Vice Admiral Kochhar said the achievement reflected GRSE’s efforts and the growing strength of India’s warship-building industry. He said the need for a larger fleet and a sustained maritime presence had become increasingly important.
Kochhar also highlighted India’s long coastline, extensive exclusive economic zone and dependence on the sea for its economic and energy interests. He stressed the need for a credible naval presence to protect these interests.
Part of an 11-ship programme
The defence ministry signed contracts with GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited in March 2023 for the construction of 11 next-generation offshore patrol vessels. The programme is worth ₹9,781 crore, with GRSE building four ships and Goa Shipyard constructing the remaining seven.
GRSE chairman and managing director, Commodore PR Hari (retd) said the new vessels mark an improvement in size, endurance, displacement and equipment compared with existing offshore patrol vessels.
GRSE is currently building nine warships, including an advanced guided-missile frigate under Project 17A, four antisubmarine warfare shallow-water craft and four next-generation offshore patrol vessels. The shipyard is also building 32 other platforms, including 13 ships for export, and is in the advanced stages of finalizing a contract for five next-generation corvettes for Navy.
Over more than six decades, GRSE has delivered 118 warships to the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and foreign customers. The launch of Shreyas adds to the shipyard’s ongoing efforts to expand India’s domestic warship-building capacity and strengthen the Navy’s ability to respond to maritime security challenges.