The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday signed a contract worth Rs 1070.47 crore with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai for acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The contract is in line with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ objective to boost the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capability, bolster maritime economic activities and foster growth of ancillary industries especially the MSME sector. The project will effectively generate employment opportunities and expertise development in the country.
These multi-role FPVs will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by MDL under 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 Al capability etc. 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 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.