India has begun construction of its first artificial intelligence-enabled patrol vessel, marking a significant step in enhancing maritime security and operational capabilities. Dubbed the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), the ship is designed to perform a wide range of missions within India’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including border surveillance, interdiction, and maritime patrol.
The vessel will measure approximately 117 meters (384 feet) in length, displace around 2,700 tons, and accommodate a crew of up to 121 personnel. Its AI-integrated systems are expected to improve situational awareness, threat detection, and mission efficiency in dynamic maritime environments.
Built for speed and endurance, the NGOPV will be capable of reaching a top speed of 23 knots (43 kilometers or 26 miles per hour) and will offer an operational range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 kilometers or 5,754 miles). These features will allow it to carry out rapid-response operations as well as extended patrols in high-threat zones or contested waters.
The development of the AI-enabled NGOPV reflects India’s broader push to modernize its naval fleet with advanced technologies to meet evolving maritime threats. It also underlines the country’s commitment to strengthening maritime domain awareness, coastal defense, and sea control across strategic regions in the Indian Ocean.
