Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, India has taken a major step forward in its defense strategy. In a major diplomatic and defense move, India plans to sell next-generation missile ships (NGMVs) equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to allies by March 2026. The move will not only increase India's defense exports, but also strengthen India's dominance in the Indian Ocean region and beyond, including key Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia.
According to sources, India is now preparing to launch its indigenous warships in the international market. The Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) being built for the Indian Navy is now planned to be exported to friendly countries. In fact, increasing war and maritime tensions in the Middle East have sharply increased the security needs of many countries. Particularly in the Gulf region and the Indian Ocean, threats to shipping safety, energy supply routes and maritime trade are increasing. In such an environment, India's NGMV is emerging as an economical but highly lethal option.
Despite their small size, battleships are very deadly.
According to sources, the warship weighing around 1,450 tons is extremely lethal despite its small size. It is armed with eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, capable of long-range precision strikes on enemy ships and land targets. For air defense, it is also equipped with systems such as 24 VL-SRSAM missiles, a 76mm gun, AK-630M CIWS and VSHORADS, which protect against drone and missile attacks, which are increasingly emerging threats in the Middle East conflict.
Very effective for operations in the seas of Hormuz and Rato
The NGMV's stealth design helps it hide from radar and infrared, making it highly effective for operations in sensitive maritime areas such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Rato Sea. In terms of speed and range, this warship can be deployed on long-range missions with a speed of 35 knots (about 65 km/h) and a range of 2,800 nautical miles. Cochin Shipyard Limited Under this project, around six ships are being built at a cost of ₹9,804 crore, with deliveries starting in 2027. The project is also a major part of the modernization of the Indian Navy. Each ship will have approximately 80 to 90 crew members.
India is trying to give a new direction to defense exports
These warships will primarily serve as maritime interdiction and maritime security, as well as play an important role in the protection of coastal economic resources. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has also affected the global arms market. Many countries are now looking for smaller, faster and more lethal platforms instead of larger and more expensive warships. In such a scenario, India's NGMV will not only fulfill defense requirements but also help establish India as a reliable defense exporter. This means that while on the one hand the war in the Middle East is adding to global instability, on the other India is turning it into a strategic opportunity and is busy reorienting its defense exports.
Click here for more information, Walking Tips: How many calories does walking one kilometer a day burn? Learn from an expert
. Source
