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Mumbai, Oct 30 (IANS) Keel laying of the second Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) and plate cutting of the fifth FPV under the 14 FPV project for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) took place at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) here on Thursday, an official said.
Additionally, the girder laying ceremony for the second and third indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for ICG was held at Rassam Yard, Chowgule, Goa.
The contract for design and manufacturing of 14 FPVs with 60 per cent indigenous content was awarded on January 24, 2024, a Defense Ministry official said in a statement.
Each FPV is equipped with an indigenously manufactured gearbox. These water-jet propelled vessels have an estimated displacement of 340 tonnes and are designed for coastal security, search and rescue and law enforcement operations.
The ships will also be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems and multi-role drones, the statement said, underscoring the integration of advanced technologies into India’s maritime defense capabilities.
The contracts for six ACVs, signed on October 24, 2024, are based on the proven Griffon Hoverwork (UK) design with more than 50 per cent indigenous content.
Capable of high speed patrolling, reconnaissance, interdiction, interdiction and all-weather search and rescue operations, the ACV will serve as a rapid force multiplier ensuring rapid response and seamless mobility in shallow waters, marshes and open seas.
Once operational, they will represent a technological leap in India’s coastal security infrastructure, the defense ministry official said.
The FPV and ACV are being built in line with the country’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and will significantly enhance ICG’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the official said.
The Indian Coast Guard came into existence on February 1, 1977 as an auxiliary service for maritime law enforcement and to perform “security and protection” functions in Indian waters.
Its mandate is to protect our ocean and offshore wealth including oil, fish and minerals, assist seafarers in distress and protect life and property at sea and enforce maritime laws in relation to anti-poaching, smuggling and narcotics.
The ICG is also involved in preserving the marine environment and ecology, protecting rare species and collecting scientific data, and backing up the navy during war.
–IANS
RCH/PGH