INDIAN NAVY LAUNCHES NGOPV ‘SANGHMITRA’ AT GRSE KOLKATA
Why in the News?
● Naval Launch: The Sanghmitra, a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata.
● Indigenous Shipbuilding: The vessel is part of India’s indigenously designed and built NGOPV programme.
● Strategic Objective: The launch supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives in defence manufacturing.
ABOUT SANGHMITRA (YARD 3039)
● NGOPV Class: Sanghmitra belongs to the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel category.
● Operational Roles: The ship will undertake surveillance, anti-piracy, search and rescue, and HADR operations.
● Multi-Domain Capability: It is designed for defence and maritime security operations across diverse operational environments.
● Cultural Naming: The vessel is named after Sanghamitra, daughter of Emperor Ashoka.
● Distinctive Crest: Its crest features the Ursa Major constellation and a lighthouse symbol.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA
● Defence Self-Reliance: Indigenous shipbuilding reduces dependence on foreign defence imports while adhering to environmental jurisprudence.
● Maritime Preparedness: Advanced patrol vessels enhance India’s operational capability in the Indian Ocean Region.
● Economic Boost: Defence manufacturing supports domestic industries, technology transfer and employment generation.
● Strategic Reach: Such vessels strengthen India’s maritime presence and regional security role.
● Naval Modernisation: NGOPVs form part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing force modernisation programme.
| NEXT GENERATION OFFSHORE PATROL VESSELS (NGOPVS) ● Construction Plan: A total of 11 NGOPVs are being constructed for the Indian Navy. ● Shipyards Involved: Construction is being undertaken at Goa Shipyard Limited and GRSE Kolkata, both operating within coastal regulation zone guidelines and obtaining necessary environmental clearances. ● Indigenous Design: The vessels are designed and manufactured domestically to strengthen naval self-reliance, following the polluter pays principle in shipbuilding operations. ● Maritime Security: NGOPVs will protect offshore assets and strengthen coastal and maritime surveillance. ● Humanitarian Role: They are also capable of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. ● Environmental Compliance: The shipbuilding process adheres to EIA notification requirements and undergoes comprehensive environmental impact assessment to ensure sustainable manufacturing practices. ● UPSC Syllabus: GS-III — Security challenges and their management; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. |