Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, laid the keel for the Indian Navy’s first Next-Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) on 18 September 2026, marking a major milestone in the construction of advanced indigenous warships. The project is part of a ₹9,804-crore contract signed in March 2023 to build six high-speed missile vessels for the Navy. The vessels will be equipped with advanced surface-to-surface missile systems, anti-missile defense systems, air-surveillance and fire-control radars. Designed for maritime strike, anti-surface warfare and coastal defense, they will strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region. The project also supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous defense technology and shipbuilding capabilities.