ICGS Amulya Joins Coast Guard Fleet, Boosts Coastal Security
Panaji: The Indian Coast Guard today commissioned ICGS Amulya, a next-generation fast patrol vessel, strengthening the country’s coastal surveillance and maritime security capabilities. The induction marks another step in the expansion of the Coast Guard’s fleet amid growing operational demands across India’s vast coastline and exclusive economic zone.
Amulya is the third vessel in the eight-ship Adamya-class series designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited. The programme forms part of the government’s broader push to enhance domestic defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives, with a significant proportion of equipment and systems sourced locally.
The 51-metre vessel is powered by two 3,000 kW diesel engines, enabling a maximum speed of 27 knots and an operational endurance of about 1,500 nautical miles. It is equipped with a range of indigenous weapons and advanced systems, providing improved manoeuvrability, operational flexibility and mission readiness.
According to officials, the vessel is designed to undertake a wide spectrum of roles, including maritime surveillance, interdiction operations, search and rescue missions, anti-smuggling tasks and marine pollution response. These capabilities are expected to enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging security and humanitarian challenges in India’s maritime domain.
ICGS Amulya will be based at Paradip in Odisha and will operate under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East). The ship is commanded by Commandant (Junior Grade) Anupam Singh and has a complement of five officers and 34 personnel.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (IC), Ceremonial and Chief Administrative Officer, and was attended by senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, representatives of the central and state governments, and Goa Shipyard Limited.
The commissioning of ICGS Amulya comes amid a steady expansion and modernisation of the Indian Coast Guard’s fleet to meet increasing maritime security, safety and environmental protection responsibilities. Over recent years, the Coast Guard has been inducting a range of new-generation patrol vessels, offshore patrol vessels and specialised platforms to enhance coastal surveillance, improve response times and strengthen presence across sensitive maritime zones. The ongoing induction programme is aimed at replacing ageing assets while expanding operational reach along India’s coastline and island territories, in line with evolving security and regulatory requirements.
According to official disclosures, the Indian Coast Guard currently operates a fleet of over 150 vessels, including offshore patrol vessels, fast patrol vessels, interceptor boats and specialised craft, deployed across its western, eastern and island commands. The force also operates a growing aviation component comprising fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for maritime surveillance, search and rescue and pollution monitoring. Ongoing acquisition programmes envisage the induction of additional patrol vessels and fast-response platforms over the next few years as part of a phased fleet expansion plan.
Earlier phases of Coast Guard fleet induction focused primarily on basic coastal patrolling and near-shore interdiction capabilities, with smaller platforms and limited endurance. In contrast, more recent induction programmes, including the Adamya-class series, place greater emphasis on higher speed, longer endurance, improved seakeeping and integration of indigenous systems, reflecting expanded operational requirements. The shift also aligns with a gradual move towards increased domestic shipbuilding and standardisation across vessel classes, compared with the more heterogeneous acquisitions of previous decades.
With the addition of Amulya, the Indian Coast Guard continues to augment its operational footprint, reinforcing its role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests, ensuring coastal security and supporting national maritime governance.
– global bihari bureau
