The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) achieved another milestone in bolstering India’s maritime security with the launch of two advanced Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) — ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit — at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on Friday.
These vessels are the seventh and eighth in a series of eight indigenously built FPVs being constructed by GSL for the ICG, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.
Designed and developed entirely by GSL, the 52-metre-long vessels displace 320 tonnes and are equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) — the first of their kind in this class of ships in India — ensuring superior manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency.
The FPVs are designed for multi-mission roles such as fisheries protection, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue operations, especially around India’s island territories and Exclusive Economic Zone.
The vessels were launched by Smt. Manju Sharma, in the presence of Dr. Mayank Sharma, Financial Advisor (Defence Services), who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was also attended by Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region (West), along with senior officers from the Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard Limited.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mayank Sharma commended the ICG and GSL for their contribution to domestic industry and the MSME ecosystem, noting that such projects strengthen India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.