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India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Keel laid for fourth ship in prestigious Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel programme
Goa [India], June 9 (ANI): Goa Shipyard, a premier defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, marked a significant milestone in the nation's maritime capability-building journey with the keel laying of Yard 1283; the fourth ship in the prestigious Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) series for the Indian Navy, as per a company statement. The ceremony was held on Monday and was graced by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who laid the keel in a solemn and dignified tradition steeped in naval heritage. The keel laying marks continued progress in the construction of seven NGOPVs, being designed and built entirely in-house by Goa Shipyard under a Rs 6,200 crore contract signed on March 30, 2023. The vessels are tailored to the operational requirements of the Indian Navy and stand as a testament to India's maturing indigenous design and shipbuilding capabilities. According to the Goa Shipyard statement, each vessel will be 114 metres in length, 14.6 metres in beam, with a displacement of 2,700 tonnes. The ships will feature dual diesel propulsion with Controllable Pitch Propellers and be equipped with cutting-edge indigenous weapons and sensor suites. Vice Admiral Swaminathan commended the Ministry of Defence, Indian Navy, and the Indian shipbuilding industry for their unwavering dedication to self-reliance in defence production. He expressed satisfaction at the quality and pace of execution of critical naval projects, and praised the shipyard's relentless pursuit of excellence amid demanding timelines. Chairman and Managing Director of Goa Shipyard, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, highlighted the shipyard's accelerated growth trajectory, underpinned by its resolute focus on indigenisation, technology absorption, and quality execution. He emphasised that Goa Shipyard's evolving capabilities have placed it at the forefront of India's naval shipbuilding map, with an impressive indigenous content in ongoing projects. 'These strategic orders reflect not just the scale of trust, but also the scope of responsibility placed upon us,' said the CMD, adding that 'GSL stands committed to delivering world-class warships built on the pillars of self-reliance, innovation, and national service.' Goa Shipyard's shipbuilding activities are not only strengthening India's maritime security apparatus but are also significantly contributing to national economic growth by invigorating the local ecosystem, empowering MSMEs, and creating thousands of employment opportunities. 'The shipyard's expanding order book and indigenous manufacturing ethos are emblematic of a resurgent India taking confident strides towards 'Atmanirbharta',' the company statement added. (ANI)
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India, France conclude inter-governmental agreement for 26 Rafale-M jets for Navy
India and France formally concluded the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets valued at around ₹63,000 Crore on Monday (April 28, 2025). The deal was concluded in a formal ceremony attended by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and French Ambassador in India Thoerry Mathou at Nau Sena Bhawan. In addition to the IGA, several associated Government to Business agreements were also concluded. Also read | What is India's dilemma over fighter jets? | Explained Earlier, French Defence Minister was scheduled to visit India to sign the deal, which was deferred due to personal reasons. So the signing of the IGA was done by the two Ministers remotely, as reported by The Hindu earlier. Indian Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya procured from Russia and the indigenously built INS Vikrant which was commissioned in September 2022 which operate the MiG-29K jets, 45 of which were procured from Russia. However, given the low availability rates and also that they are nearing timelines, the Navy began looking for another jet to operate from both the carriers. The original plan was for 54 jets and saw two contenders in the fray Dassault Aviation with the Rafale-M and Boeing with F-18 Super Hornet in which eventually Rafale was declared compliant. The number was trimmed down to 26 after the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) proposed to develop an indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) from the experience of the Naval Light Combat Aircraft. The deal will also see the integration of the indigenous Beyond Visual Range air to air missile Astra on the Rafales. As reported by earlier, delivery of the jets will start in about three and a half years once the contract is signed and be completed in about six and a half years. The deal includes 22 single seater jets that can operate off aircraft carriers and four twin seater trainer jets that aren't carrier compatible. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets acquired under a ₹60,000 Crore deal signed in September 2016. Indian aircraft carriers use a ski-jump to launch aircraft and arrestor cables to recover aircraft which use a tail hook. The lifts onboard Indian carriers were built to accommodate the in service Russian MIG-29K jets due to which minor modifications to the Rafale would be required to accommodate them on the lifts onboard Indian carriers for them to be moved between the hanger and the flight deck
