NEXT GENERATION MISSILE VESSELS (NGMV)

Features

Specifications

Programme

Maritime Capability Perspective Plan.

Six NGMVs are being built by government-run Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The delivery of ships is scheduled to commence from March 2027.

Primary Purpose

Surface warfare capabilities, advanced stealth features (low radar cross section, acoustic, magnetic, and infrared signatures), armed with anti-ship or land-attack missiles. The NGMVs' primary weapon is anticipated to be the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, capable of striking targets at long ranges.

Range

Minimum 5,185 km at sustained economical speed.

Maximum Speed

Not less than 35 knots (approximately 65 kmph).

Endurance

Sustain at sea for a minimum of 10 days without Operational Turn-Around, with 25% reserve fuel remaining.

Propulsion

Adequate power-to-weight ratio for the ship's operations.

Greater endurance for low-speed regimes during Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) or EEZ patrols.

Weapons

Minimum 8 surface-to-surface missiles (SSM)- SSM or ground-to-ground missile (GGM) is a missile designed to be launched from the ground or the sea and strike targets on land or at sea.

Fitted with Point Defence Missile System (PDMS) for near 360-degree anti-missile defence coverage.

PDMS- A weapon system that protects a limited area, such as a ship, building, or airfield, from air attacks and guided missiles. PDMS weapons are usually placed near or on the object to be protected and have a smaller range than area-defense systems.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV):

1. The program is aimed at enhancing the anti-surface warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy.
2. These vessels are designed to operate in coastal waters and can be deployed for long-range missions.

Which of the above given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) are a planned class of anti-surface warfare corvettes for the Indian Navy. These heavily armed vessels, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore.

Statement 2 is correct: The Next Generation Missile Vessel is a new design for the Indian Navy that will reach a max speed of 35 knots and carry an impressive array of anti-surface weapons. The core of the NGMV propulsion system is the LM2500, a marine gas turbine engineered to unleash superior power while meeting stealth requirements.