Indian Coast Guard Set To Get 14 Fast Patrol Vessels As Defence Ministry Inks Rs 1,070 Crore Contract With MDL

In a fillip to India's coastal security, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is set to receive 14 fast patrol vessels (FPVs) as the Defence Ministry on Wednesday (24 January) inked a Rs 1,070 crore contract with the Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL).

These multi role FPVs will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by MDL under Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category and will be delivered in total 63 months.

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Along with several high tech advanced features and equipment, these FPVs will be equipped with multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy and Al capability etc., enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the ICG to face new age multidimensional challenges, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, these modern FPVs will play a critical role in enhancing fisheries protection and monitoring, control and surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue operations including in shallow waters, assistance to ship/crafts in distress, towing capabilities, assistance and monitoring during marine pollution response operations, anti-piracy operations.

"The acquisition of these FPVs is aimed to boost ICG's capability and reinforces the increased focus of the government towards maritime security," the ministry said.

"In line with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', the contract will boost nation's indigenous shipbuilding capability bolstering maritime economic activities and foster growth of ancillary industries especially the MSME Sector," it said.

The project will effectively generate employment opportunities and expertise development in the country, the ministry added.

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