 "Indian Coast Guard")
These modern and high-tech ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, law enforcement. (Representative)
The defence ministry on Wednesday signed a Rs 1,614 crore contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd for procurement of six next generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.
The acquisition of the platforms is aimed at boosting the Coast Guard’s capability towards maritime security, the defence ministry said.
“The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd on December 20 for the procurement of six next generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG),” the ministry said.
It said the contract was made under the buy (Indian-IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs 1614.89 crore.
Out of the six vessels being procured, four would replace the existing aging offshore patrol vessels and the other two would augment the Coast Guard’s fleet.
“The acquisition of these major ICG platforms is aimed to boost the ICG’s capability and reinforces the increased focus of the Government towards maritime security,” the ministry said in a statement.
“These modern and high-tech ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime pollution response, and other important capabilities including humanitarian assistance,” it said.
It said along with several high-tech advanced features and equipment, these offshore patrol vessels would be equipped with multipurpose drones, AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities, and wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy, enabling greater flexibility and operational edge.
First Published: Dec 20 2023 | 9:08 PM IST
The Indian defense ministry has signed a contract worth Rs 1,614 crore with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd for the procurement of six next-generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The acquisition of these vessels aims to enhance the ICG’s capability in maritime security. Out of the six vessels, four will replace existing aging offshore patrol vessels, while the other two will augment the Coast Guard’s fleet.
The new offshore patrol vessels will be equipped with advanced features and equipment, including multipurpose drones, artificial intelligence capabilities, and wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoys. These modern and high-tech ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, maritime pollution response, and humanitarian assistance.
The contract falls under the buy (Indian-IDDM) category and has a total cost of Rs 1614.89 crore. This procurement aligns with the government’s increased focus on maritime security and reinforces the ICG’s capabilities.
In current context, the defense ministry’s deal to procure these patrol vessels for the Coast Guard highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening maritime security and protecting India’s coastal areas. The acquisition of these advanced ships will significantly enhance the ICG’s operational capabilities, allowing for more efficient surveillance and response to various maritime challenges.
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