India is set to market its domestically designed Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) to friendly smaller nations, offering a cost-effective yet heavily armed solution for modern naval operations. With a displacement of around 1,450 tons, the platform is engineered to deliver outsized combat capability relative to its size, making it suitable for navies seeking high-impact assets without large capital investments.
At the heart of the NGMV’s combat capability are eight BrahMos cruise missiles, providing long-range precision strike options against both sea and land targets. The vessel is further equipped with a 24-cell VL-SRSAM air defence system to counter aerial threats, including hostile aircraft and incoming missiles. This combination ensures strong offensive reach alongside credible defensive protection.
The design emphasizes stealth, incorporating features that reduce detection across radar, infrared, and acoustic spectrums, thereby enhancing survivability in high-threat maritime environments. The Indian Navy has tasked Cochin Shipyard Limited with building six such vessels under a ₹9,804 crore contract signed in 2023. Construction began with steel cutting in December 2024, and the first delivery is targeted for March 2027.
With a top speed of approximately 33 knots and a crew of about 80, the NGMV is optimized for rapid response and maneuverability. It will be equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors and combat systems, supporting roles such as anti-surface warfare, sea denial, and protection of critical offshore infrastructure. The ships will also feature advanced propulsion, integrated management systems, robust power networks, and improved damage control measures, ensuring sustained operational effectiveness in demanding combat scenarios.
