In a significant stride towards bolstering maritime security and promoting self-reliance, the Ministry of Defence inked a contract worth Rs 1070.47 crore with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL), Mumbai. This deal involves the acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), aligning seamlessly with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The contract not only strengthens the country’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities but also acts as a catalyst for maritime economic activities, fostering growth in ancillary industries, especially within the MSME sector. A key outcome of this project is the generation of employment opportunities and the development of expertise within the nation.
Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs): A Maritime Game-Changer
Designed, developed, and manufactured indigenously by MDL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category, these multi-role FPVs are set to be delivered within a span of 63 months. Beyond their advanced features, these vessels will be equipped with cutting-edge elements, including multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoys, and AI capabilities. Such features enhance operational flexibility, providing the ICG with a critical edge in facing contemporary multidimensional challenges.
The role of these modern FPVs extends across various maritime operations, from fisheries protection and surveillance to anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue missions (including in shallow waters), assistance to distressed ships/crafts, towing capabilities, and monitoring during marine pollution response operations. The procurement of these FPVs significantly amplifies the ICG’s capabilities and underscores the government’s heightened focus on maritime security.
Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs): Elevating Capabilities
Building on the momentum, the ministry previously sealed a Rs 1614.89 crore contract with MDL for six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the ICG. Falling under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, these vessels are designed to replace aging Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and supplement the ICG fleet.
Spanning 115 meters, these NGOPVs are equipped with state-of-the-art features, including multipurpose drones, AI capabilities, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifeboats, and more. Indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured by MDL, these vessels are slated to be delivered over 66 months. This strategic move aligns seamlessly with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, further boosting indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and supporting ancillary industries.
The NGOPVs are poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the ICG’s capabilities, spanning surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, maritime pollution responses, and humanitarian assistance. This underscores a holistic approach towards fortifying India’s maritime security.
Prior Achievements and Future Prospects
Notably, the contract with GRSE in the past resulted in the construction of a Fast Patrol Vessel for the Indian Coast Guard. With a primary focus on high speed, these vessels significantly contribute to enhancing the maritime security of the nation. Their roles span fisheries protection, monitoring foreign-chartered trawlers, EEZ and Coastal Patrol, anti-smuggling, search and rescue operations, and providing communication links and escorting coastal convoys during hostilities and wartime. This forward-looking approach ensures that India’s maritime capabilities continue to evolve and meet contemporary challenges.