Yard 1280 (Shachi), the first of eleven Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), was launched at M/s GSL, Goa on 31 Mar 2026 by Mrs Shagun Sobti, in the presence of VAdm Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff.
The event was conducted with full naval traditions. Senior dignitaries from the Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence, and GSL attended the occasion.
The construction of NGOPVs is being undertaken concurrently at two shipyards (GSL, Goa & GRSE, Kolkata). These indigenously built ships will augment the existing ten OPVs/ NOPVs for multi-domain operations, such as defence & surveillance, search and rescue, protection of offshore assets, HADR and anti-piracy missions. These ships derive their names from Indian mythology, with first ship (ex-GSL) being named as ‘Shachi’, meaning one who renders assistance. The crest design of NGOPVs depicts the constellation of Ursa Major and a red and white lighthouse.
This is yet another significant milestone in Indian Navy’s pursuit towards indigenous shipbuilding and is in consonance with Government of India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
