Representational photo.
Mumbai: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) today inked a contract worth over Rs 1070 crore, with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) for 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
These multi-role FPVs will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by MDL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category and will be delivered in 63 months.
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 Artificial Intelligence (AI) capability, enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the ICG to face new age multidimensional challenges.
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 ships and crafts in distress, towing capabilities, assistance and monitoring during marine pollution response operations, anti-piracy operations.
The acquisition of these Fast Patrol Vessels is aimed to boost the Indian Coast Guard’s capability and reinforces the increased focus of the government towards maritime security, the Ministry of Defence stated. It added that in line with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat‘, the contract will boost the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capability bolstering maritime economic activities, and foster the growth of ancillary industries, especially the MSME Sector. The project will effectively generate employment opportunities and expertise development in the country, the MoD said.
– global bihari bureau
