The Ministry of Defence launched the next-generation offshore patrol vessel Shreyas (Yard 3040) at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata on 10 October 2026. The ship was launched by Mrs Reyman Kochhar in the presence of Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. This vessel is part of India’s efforts to build advanced naval ships domestically rather than importing them from abroad.
Key facts
- Ship name: Shreyas (Yard 3040), meaning ‘Best’ or ‘Most Excellent’ in Sanskrit
- Launched: 10 October 2026
- Shipyard: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata
- Launching official: Mrs Reyman Kochhar
- Construction locations: Two shipyards—Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Goa and GRSE in Kolkata
- Type: Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV)
What is a next-generation offshore patrol vessel
Offshore patrol vessels are military ships designed to operate in coastal and maritime zones. These vessels conduct surveillance, respond to emergencies at sea, protect India’s offshore infrastructure such as oil rigs and fishing zones, provide disaster relief, and combat piracy. The next-generation version represents an upgraded design with improved capabilities compared to the older offshore patrol vessels currently in service with the Indian Navy.
Indigenous design and construction
Shreyas is both designed and built in India, making it part of India’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The ship was conceived and engineered by Indian naval architects and shipbuilders, reducing dependence on foreign naval suppliers. The construction is happening at two separate shipyards to speed up production. This approach allows the Indian Navy to expand its fleet while supporting domestic shipbuilding industry employment and expertise.
Operational roles and capabilities
Next-generation offshore patrol vessels like Shreyas will perform multiple tasks for the Indian Navy. These include maritime surveillance to monitor India’s vast coastal waters and exclusive economic zone, search and rescue operations for vessels in distress, protection of offshore assets from threats, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) during natural calamities, and anti-piracy missions in international waters. The multi-domain operations capability means the ship can handle different types of naval tasks depending on the situation.
Connection to India’s self-reliance goals
The launch aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Make in India initiatives. These programmes aim to reduce imports and boost domestic manufacturing across sectors, including defence. By building advanced warships domestically, India strengthens its defence industrial base, creates skilled jobs, and ensures greater control over naval capabilities. The project also demonstrates that Indian shipyards can design and construct vessels to international standards without external assistance.
What this means for you
The successful launch of Shreyas strengthens India’s maritime security. A more capable and larger naval fleet enhances India’s ability to protect its interests in the Indian Ocean and coastal regions, which matters for shipping, fishing, and trade. For defence sector employees and engineers, indigenous shipbuilding projects create employment and skill development opportunities. For taxpayers, building ships domestically can reduce long-term defence spending compared to importing expensive naval vessels from foreign countries, though this depends on production efficiency.
Naming tradition
The Ministry of Defence stated that next-generation offshore patrol vessels derive their names from India’s rich heritage. Shreyas, derived from Sanskrit, carries cultural significance and connects the modern naval vessel to India’s ancient traditions. This naming practice ensures that India’s contemporary military assets reflect the country’s historical and cultural identity.