The Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) drive to boost maritime security took a significant leap forward with the plate cutting ceremony for its fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV). This important event took place at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai on August 20, 2025. The ceremony symbolizes the commencement of construction for the vessel and highlights India’s dedication to indigenously designed and built defense capabilities under the "Make in India" and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Stretching 117 meters long, the NGOPVs represent a modern class of vessels equipped to enhance the ICG’s operational reach across India’s vast maritime domain. Each vessel is designed to reach speeds up to 23 knots and has an impressive operational range of around 5,000 nautical miles, making them well-suited for long-duration missions at sea. These ships will house a complement of 11 officers and 110 personnel, facilitating a robust presence on Indian waters.

What sets these vessels apart is their integration of cutting-edge technology aimed at improving maritime surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, and law enforcement within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Features such as AI-based predictive maintenance systems, remote-piloted drones, an Integrated Bridge System, and an Integrated Platform Management System provide the NGOPVs with superior situational awareness and operational efficiency. Such technological advancement also underscores India’s strategic push toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The ceremony was graced by prominent officials, including Inspector General N.G. Raveendran from the ICG and A. Vinod, the Executive Director (Shipbuilding) at MDL, reaffirming a collective commitment to strengthening India's maritime security infrastructure. The fourth vessel, known as Yard 16404, is part of a six-vessel NGOPV series contracted in December 2023, reflecting sustained progress in indigenous naval shipbuilding efforts at MDL.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, one of India’s premier shipyards, continues to be at the forefront of this transformative journey, consolidating India’s position as a growing naval manufacturing hub with a focus on innovation, resilience, and national security. This milestone event is not just about steel and ships; it represents India’s forward momentum towards maritime strength and technological sovereignty in the 21st century. If you are following developments in India’s defense and maritime sectors, this event marks a key step shaping the future of coastal protection and indigenous defense manufacturing.