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Indian Coast Guard Milestone: 2 Fast Patrol Vessels Laid at Mazagon Dock

The Indian Coast Guard marked a significant milestone with the keel laying of two Fast Patrol Vessels at Mazagon Dock. These advanced vessels will enhance coastal security with AI systems and drone capabilities. Simultaneously, construction progressed on Air Cushion Vehicles in Goa for high-speed operations. This development strengthens India's maritime defense under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Points: ICG Fast Patrol Vessels Keel Laying at Mazagon Dock

  • Second FPV keel laid and fifth FPV plate cutting completed at Mazagon Dock
  • Two Air Cushion Vehicles girders laid at Goa's Chowgule Yard
  • FPVs feature AI predictive maintenance and multipurpose drone systems
  • ACVs based on UK design with over 50% indigenous content
2 min read

Milestone for ICG: Keel laying of 2 Fast Patrol Vessels held at Mazagon Dock

Indian Coast Guard advances coastal security with keel laying of 2 Fast Patrol Vessels and ACV construction at Mazagon Dock, boosting indigenous defense capabilities.

"These vessels will represent a technological leap in India's coastal security infrastructure - Defence Ministry Official"

Mumbai, Oct 30

The Keel Laying of second Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) and Plate Cutting of fifth FPV under the 14 FPV Project for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) took place at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) here on Thursday, an official said.

In addition to this, the Girder Laying Ceremonies for the second and third indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for ICG was held at Chowgule's Rassaim Yard, Goa.

The contract for design and construction of 14 FPVs with an indigenous content of 60 per cent was inked on January 24, 2024, the Defence Ministry official said in a statement.

Each FPV is equipped with indigenously built gearboxes. These water-jet propelled vessels have an approximate displacement of 340 tonne and are designed for coastal security, search and rescue and law enforcement operations.

The vessels will also feature state-of-the-art machinery, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems and multipurpose drones, underscoring the integration of advanced technologies into India's maritime defence capabilities, said the statement.

The contract for six ACVs, signed on October 24, 2024 are based on the proven Griffon Hoverwork (UK) design, with over 50 per cent indigenous content.

Capable of high-speed patrolling, reconnaissance, interception, interdiction and all-weather search and rescue operations, the ACVs will serve as agile force multipliers ensuring swift response and seamless mobility across shallow waters, marshes and open seas.

Once commissioned, they will represent a technological leap in India's coastal security infrastructure, said the Defence Ministry official.

The FPVs and ACVs are being built in consonance with the nation's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and will greatly augment the ICG's presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), said the official.

The Indian Coast Guard came into being on February 1, 1977 as an auxiliary service for Maritime Law Enforcement and undertaking "Safety and Protection" tasks in Indian waters.

It is tasked to protect our ocean and offshore wealth including oil, fish and minerals, assist mariners in distress and safeguard life and property at sea and enforce maritime laws with respect to sea, poaching, smuggling and narcotics.

The ICG is also involved in preserving marine environment and ecology, protect rare species and to collect scientific data and back-up the navy during war.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
AI-based predictive maintenance and multipurpose drones - wow! Our maritime security is getting a major tech upgrade. Hope these vessels help prevent illegal fishing and smuggling activities effectively.
R
Rohit P
Mazagon Dock has been delivering quality ships for decades. Good to see them continuing this tradition with modern FPVs. The Air Cushion Vehicles from Goa will be game-changers for shallow water operations.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the technological advancement, I hope the indigenous content percentage increases further in future projects. We should aim for 80-90% localization to truly become self-reliant in defence manufacturing.
K
Karthik V
The Coast Guard does such crucial work - from search and rescue to environmental protection. These new vessels will definitely enhance their capabilities. Jai Hind! 🙏
M
Michael C
Impressive specs - 340 tonne displacement with water-jet propulsion. The ACVs operating across shallow waters and marshes will be particularly useful for coastal surveillance. Good strategic move for IOR dominance.

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