Defence ministry to buy 14 fast patrol vessels from Mazagon Dock for Rs 1,070 cr

The acquisition of these FPVs is aimed at boosting ICG’s capability and reinforces the government's increased focus on maritime security.

The defence ministry has signed a contract with Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) to acquire 14 fast patrol vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for Rs 1,070.47 crore. These multi-role FPVs will be designed, developed, and manufactured by MDL in India under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category. The Ministry stated in an official statement that the vessels will be delivered in a total of 63 months.

The FPVs will come equipped with multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy, and artificial intelligence capability, providing greater flexibility and operational edge to the ICG to face new age multidimensional challenges. The ministry further highlighted that 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/craft in distress, towing capabilities, assistance and monitoring during marine pollution response operations, and anti-piracy operations.

The acquisition of these FPVs is aimed at boosting ICG’s capability and reinforces the government's increased focus on maritime security. The contract is in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and will boost the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capability, bolstering maritime economic activities and fostering the growth of ancillary industries, especially the MSME sector. The ministry claims that the project will effectively generate employment opportunities and expertise development.

In December, a merchant vessel on its way to India was attacked. This event led to the Indian Navy increasing its security measures in the Arabian Sea. On December 23, a Liberian-flagged merchant vessel named Chem Pluto was hit by a suspected drone just outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. As a response, the Navy decided to enhance its security measures in the Indian waters and created task groups to assist merchant tankers in navigating the route safely.