The Defence Ministry on Wednesday signed a Rs 1,070-crore deal with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) to secure 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).).
These modern FPVs will be designed, developed, and manufactured domestically by MDL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category, with delivery slated within a five-year timeframe.
In addition to various cutting-edge features and equipment, the FPVs will be equipped with multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy and AI capability. “This will enable greater flexibility and operational edge to the ICG to face new age multidimensional challenges”, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The FPVs will play an important role in bolstering 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.
This agreement follows closely on the heels of the Defence Ministry’s signing of a Rs 1,614-crore contract with MDL just a month ago for the acquisition of six next-generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.