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First Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) (ex-GSL)

7th May, 2024 Security

First Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) (ex-GSL)

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Context:

  • The keel laying ceremony for the first NGOPV (ex-GSL) took place at M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd, Goa.

Details:

  • Contracts for the indigenous design and construction of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) were finalized on March 30, 2023, between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) in Goa, and M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
  • Seven ships will be constructed by the lead shipyard, M/s GSL, while four ships will be built by the shipyard, M/s GRSE.
  • The NGOPVs are designed for various missions, including Anti-Piracy, Coastal Defence & Surveillance, Search & Rescue, and Protection of Offshore Assets.
  • These vessels will enhance the Indian Navy's combat capability, allowing it to safeguard the nation's economic and geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

Significance

  • This keel laying event marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's efforts toward indigenous shipbuilding.
  • It aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) and 'Make in India' initiatives, showcasing the country's commitment to developing its naval capabilities domestically.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2019622

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV)

1) M/s GSL and M/s GRSE will jointly construct 11 NGOPVs for the Indian Navy, with each shipyard responsible for building an equal number of vessels.

2) The contract entails the indigenous design and construction of 11 NGOPVs, with M/s GSL undertaking the construction of seven vessels and M/s GRSE building the remaining four.

3) The NGOPVs, designed primarily for maritime reconnaissance and offshore patrolling missions, will be constructed by M/s GSL and M/s GRSE in collaboration with international shipbuilding companies.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Correct Answer: D)

Statement 1 is incorrect and 2 is correct:

Contracts for the indigenous design and construction of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) were finalized on March 30, 2023, between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) in Goa, and M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata,with M/s GSL undertaking the construction of seven vessels and M/s GRSE building the remaining four.

Statement 3  is incorrect:

The construction is to be indigenous, which means it is being done within India without significant involvement from international partners.