Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Cochin Shipyard Begins Building India’s Next-Generation Missile Vessels
Cochin Shipyard has started building a new kind of warship for the Indian Navy.
The ship is called a Next Generation Missile Vessel, or NGMV.
The first vessel is temporarily named BY 531.
A keel-laying ceremony marked the beginning of its construction.
The keel is the strong bottom part that supports the rest of a ship.
India has ordered six of these vessels under a 2023 contract.
They will be able to attack enemy ships and targets on land.
They will also help defend naval areas and offshore facilities.
The ships are expected to travel at up to 33 knots and carry about 80 people.
Cochin Shipyard Limited has begun construction of the first Next Generation Missile Vessel for the Indian Navy.
The keel-laying ceremony was held for the vessel temporarily designated BY 531.
Under a 2023 contract, the shipbuilder will construct and deliver six NGMVs.
The vessels are designed for maritime strike, anti-surface warfare and sea-denial operations.
NGMVs are planned to reach 33 knots, carry advanced weapons and sensors, and accommodate 80 personnel.
- Who
- Cochin Shipyard Limited is building the vessels for the Indian Navy.
- What
- Construction has begun on the first of six Next Generation Missile Vessels.
- When
- The keel-laying ceremony took place after a 2023 construction contract; the article does not specify the ceremony date.
- Where
- At Cochin Shipyard Limited in India; the article does not specify the facility’s city.
- Why
- The vessels are intended to provide offensive, maritime-strike and anti-surface warfare capabilities, as well as local naval defense and offshore-area protection.
- Builder
- Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
- Customer
- Indian Navy
- Contract
- A 2023 order for six Next Generation Missile Vessels
- First vessel
- Temporarily designated BY 531
- Maximum speed
- 33 knots, or about 61 kilometers per hour
- Personnel
- Designed to accommodate 80 people
- Weapons and sensors
- Surface-to-surface missiles, an anti-missile defense system, air-surveillance radar and fire-control radar