Launch of NGOPV Sanghamitra : UPSC Current Affairs

Description

Why In News?

The Indian Navy recently achieved a major milestone in indigenous shipbuilding with the launch of 'Sanghamitra'.

About Sanghamitra

Sanghamitra is the first of four Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) built for the Indian Navy by the Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

The Navy named the ship after the daughter of Emperor Ashoka.

Capabilities: The 113-meter-long, 3,000-tonne warship is designed for multi-domain operations, including maritime surveillance, anti-piracy missions, protection of offshore assets, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

Speed and Range: The vessel boasts a top speed of 23 knots and an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles.

About NGOPV Project

The NGOPV project is an indigenous shipbuilding initiative aimed at strengthening the Indian Navy’s combat and surveillance capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.

Contractual Framework: The Ministry of Defence signed contracts in March 2023, for the construction of 11 NGOPVs.

Shipyard Distribution: The project divides production between two primary shipyards: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), which serves as the lead shipyard building seven vessels, and GRSE, which builds four vessels.

Mission Multi-role Capability: These vessels support a diverse array of operations, including:

Maritime surveillance and coastal defence.
Protection of offshore assets such as oil rigs and installations.
Anti-piracy missions and maritime interdiction.
Mine warfare missions and search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

Source: ECONOMICTIMES

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the newly launched Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) 'Sanghamitra':

It is indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
The vessel requires a deep draught of over 10 metres to operate efficiently in international waters.
Its primary roles include the protection of offshore assets, maritime interdiction, and mine warfare missions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The NGOPV 'Sanghamitra' was indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. It is part of an 11-vessel programme being constructed concurrently at GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

Statement 2 is incorrect: The vessel does not require a deep draught of over 10 metres. Instead, it requires a draught of only 4 metres, which provides the critical flexibility required to operate in both deep international seas and shallow coastal waters.

Statement 3 is correct: The primary and multi-role operational functions of the vessel include the protection of offshore assets, coastal and maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction, search and rescue (SAR), and mine warfare missions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sanghamitra is a state-of-the-art Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) launched for the Indian Navy, built by GRSE in Kolkata to enhance multi-domain maritime operations.

The ship is named after Emperor Ashoka's daughter, continuing the Indian Navy's tradition of drawing names from India's rich historical and cultural heritage.

It has a displacement of approximately 3,000 tonnes, measures 113 meters in length, has a 4-metre draught, and can achieve a maximum speed of 23 knots with a range of 8,500 nautical miles.