Mumbai, India: In a major boost to India’s maritime security and self-reliance ambitions, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) today signed a contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) for the acquisition of 14 indigenously-built Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs). This Rs. 1070.47 crore deal marks a significant step forward, equipping the ICG with next-generation technology to safeguard India’s 7,516 km coastline and 2.01 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Multi-Role Guardians of the Seas:
These FPVs, designed and developed by MDL under the “Buy (Indian-IDDM)” category, will be more than just patrol boats. They will be armed with cutting-edge technology, including:
- Multipurpose Drones: Offering enhanced surveillance coverage, with a potential range of 50 kilometers, significantly improving the ICG’s ability to monitor critical areas and combat illegal activities.
- Wireless Remote Water Rescue Craft: Enabling swift and efficient rescues in challenging conditions, particularly during natural disasters or emergencies at sea. These remotely controlled craft can reach distressed vessels up to 300 meters away, bringing crucial aid to those in need.
- AI-powered Systems: Providing real-time data analysis and threat identification, allowing the ICG to make faster and more informed decisions, optimizing operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Enhanced Capabilities, Unparalleled Impact:
These modern FPVs will significantly bolster the ICG’s ability to:
- Protect fisheries: With an estimated 28 million people in India directly or indirectly dependent on the fishing industry, these FPVs will play a crucial role in curbing illegal fishing activities and protecting India’s valuable marine resources.
- Enforce maritime regulations: From combating smuggling and piracy to ensuring adherence to environmental regulations, these FPVs will be instrumental in maintaining order and upholding the law within India’s EEZ.
- Perform search and rescue missions: Equipped with advanced communication and navigation systems, these FPVs will be able to respond quickly and effectively to distress calls, potentially saving countless lives at sea, especially in shallow waters where larger vessels struggle to maneuver.
- Assist distressed vessels and respond to marine pollution incidents: With towing capabilities and advanced monitoring systems, these FPVs will be crucial in providing timely assistance to vessels in distress and mitigating the impact of marine pollution incidents, protecting India’s fragile coastal ecosystems.
A Boon for Maritime Security and Economy:
The acquisition of these FPVs not only strengthens the ICG’s operational capabilities but also contributes to the nation’s maritime economy in several ways:
- Boosting Indigenous Shipbuilding: This project showcases India’s shipbuilding prowess and fosters self-reliance in this critical sector, contributing to the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision.
- Promoting Ancillary Industries: The project is expected to generate around 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, primarily in the MSME sector, contributing to overall economic growth and development.
- Enhancing Maritime Economic Activities: A robust maritime security infrastructure fosters confidence and paves the way for increased trade and economic activity, benefiting coastal communities and the nation as a whole.
A Step Forward in Maritime Leadership:
The signing of this contract marks a significant milestone in India’s quest for maritime security leadership. These high-tech FPVs, equipped with advanced capabilities and built with Indian expertise, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers, ensuring the safety of its citizens, and paving the way for a thriving maritime economy.
The ICG, established in 1977, has come a long way from its initial fleet of just seven ships. Over the years, it has steadily grown into a formidable force, playing a crucial role in protecting India’s maritime interests. From combating piracy and smuggling to conducting search and rescue missions and enforcing environmental regulations, the ICG has been at the forefront of maritime security, ensuring the safety of millions of citizens and the thriving coastal economy.