can also achieve a
maximum speed of 23 knots (about 43 km per hour) when needed.
Capabilities of Sanghmitra
The Sanghmitra is a multi-purpose vessel. It can perform a wide range of tasks. These include:
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Surveillance and defence – It can keep an eye on India’s areas of interest at sea and defend them if needed.
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Search and rescue – If a boat or ship is in trouble, Sanghmitra can rush to help.
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Protection of offshore assets – India has many oil rigs and gas platforms in the sea. This ship will protect them from threats.
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HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) – During cyclones, floods, or other disasters, the ship can carry supplies and rescue teams to affected coastal areas.
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Anti-piracy missions – Piracy is still a problem in some oceans. Sanghmitra can hunt down pirates and protect merchant ships.
All these capabilities make Sanghmitra a very useful addition to the Indian Navy. It is not just a warship. It is also a friend to people in need.
Part of a Larger Programme
The Indian Navy has approved the building of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. These will be built simultaneously at two shipyards. One shipyard is GRSE in Kolkata. The other is a different yard on the west coast. Building them together saves time. It also helps Indian shipyards develop expertise. Sanghmitra is one of the first to be launched. The others will follow. Soon, India will have a fleet of modern patrol vessels guarding its vast coastline.
A Human Touch: The Pride of Indian Shipbuilding
When a ship is launched, it is a moment of great pride. Hundreds of workers at GRSE spent months welding steel, fitting engines, and wiring electronics. For them, Sanghmitra is not just a vessel. It is the result of their hard work. Many of these workers come from Kolkata and nearby villages. They have families who cheer for them. Every time the ship sails out to protect India’s shores, those workers can say, "I helped build that." That is the human story behind every warship.
Exam-Focused Points
| Topic |
Key Details |
| Vessel name |
Sanghmitra |
| Type |
Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) |
| Built at |
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata |
| Named after |
Daughter of King Ashoka (Sanghmitra) |
| Crest design |
Ursa Major constellation (Great Bear) + red and
Month: Current Affairs - May 23, 2026
Category: Defence, Security
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