Defence Ministry Signs a Contract To Purchase 6 Patrol Vessels

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 21-12-2023

Defence Ministry Signs a Contract To Purchase 6 Patrol Vessels

Defence 3 min read

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Mazgaon Dockyard Shipbuilders Limited for the purchase of six offshore patrol ships of the next generation for the Indian Coast Guard.

Under this contract, patrol ships will be purchased with the cost of Rs, 1614.89 crore.
The acquisition of these patrol ships aims to promote the capacity of the Indian Coast Guard and strengthen the government's stand towards maritime security.
Four of these ships to be purchased will replace the old patrol ships. At the same time, the remaining two will be included in the Coast Guard fleet.
These ships will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured in India.

Patrol ships will have these capabilities:

These patrol ships will be equipped with modern and high-tech monitoring capacity.
These ships will also be equipped with drones for various purposes, as well as technology like artificial intelligence (AI).
These ships will be equipped with wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft Lifebuoys.
These ships will lead India in other important activities, including monitoring, law enforcement, discovery, rescue and humanitarian aid.

Offshore patrol vehicles (OPVs):

OPVs are long-range superficial ships capable of operating in marine areas of India, including island areas with helicopter operating capabilities.
Their roles include coastal and offshore patrolling, policing, controlling and monitoring and ‘anti-smuggling and anti-robbery’ operations in the marine areas of India.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG):

It is an armed force, discovery and rescue and maritime law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Defence.
Its headquarters is in New Delhi.
It was established in August 1978 as an independent armed force of India by the Coast Guard Act 1978.
The concept of construction of ICG came into existence after the 1971 war.
A blueprint was prepared for the multi-faceted Coast Guard by the Rustomji Committee.
It has jurisdiction over the regional water of India including the embodied region and the Special Economic Zone (EEZ).
Director General - Rakesh Pal