Ministry of Defense signs contract for 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVS) with Mazagon Dock for ICG
New Delhi, 24 Jan 24: Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contract for acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at the total project cost of Rs 1070 Cr on 24 Jan 2024.
These Multi Role FPVs will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by MDL, Mumbai under Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category and will be delivered in total 63 months. The contract in line of Aatmanirbhar Bharat would boost nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capability bolstering 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 modern Fast Patrol Vessels will play a critical role in enhancing the 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.
Along with several high tech advanced features and equipment, these Fast Patrol Vessels would be equipped with multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy and AI capability etc. enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the Coast Guard to face new age multidimensional challenges. The acquisition of these ICG platforms is aimed to boost the Coast Guard’s capability and reinforces the increased focus of GoI towards maritime security.
