New Delhi, October 11, 2026: The Indian Navy’s new indigenously designed and built offshore patrol vessel, Shreyas, was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata on October 10. The vessel is being developed for maritime surveillance, anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, and the protection of offshore infrastructure. Its launch marks a milestone in the shipbuilding process, although the vessel has yet to enter operational service.
Shreyas, identified as Yard 3040, is part of the Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) programme. The new vessels are intended to supplement the existing offshore patrol fleet and strengthen the Navy’s ability to carry out maritime security operations.
The launch ceremony was conducted by Reyman Kochhar in the presence of Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. Senior representatives of the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Defence, GRSE and industry partners also attended the event, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The vessel is designed for maritime surveillance, which involves monitoring activities at sea and identifying potential security threats. It is also intended to support anti-piracy operations and protect offshore assets, including infrastructure located at sea.
Shreyas will also be capable of undertaking search and rescue operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. These responsibilities include assisting people in distress at sea and supporting relief efforts during maritime emergencies and natural disasters.
Construction of the next-generation offshore patrol vessels is taking place at two Indian shipyards: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Goa and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata. According to the ministry, the vessels are being designed and built in India as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s domestic naval shipbuilding capabilities.
The name Shreyas is derived from Sanskrit and means “Best” or “Most Excellent”, reflecting the Navy’s tradition of naming vessels after elements of India’s cultural heritage.
Although Shreyas has been launched, it has not yet been commissioned into the Indian Navy. A ship’s launch marks an important stage in construction, while commissioning formally brings it into naval service. The ministry’s October 10 announcement did not provide a commissioning date or detailed technical specifications for the vessel.
The Ministry of Defence said the launch forms part of the Navy’s continuing efforts to expand indigenous warship construction under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
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