The Defense ministry has signed a Rs
1,070-crore contract with Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) to
boost the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard with 14 fast patrol vessels
(FPVs).
“Along with
several high-tech advanced features and equipment, the Fast Patrol Vehicles
will be equipped with Multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water
rescue craft and AI capability, enabling greater flexibility and operational
edge to the coast guard to face new age multidimensional challenges,” the
defense ministry said in a statement.
The new vessels will be indigenously designed,
developed and manufactured by MDL, and delivered to the coast guard in five
years.
The vessels
will play a critical role in enhancing fisheries protection and monitoring,
control and surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue missions,
assistance to ships in distress, assistance and monitoring during marine
pollution response operations, and anti-piracy operations, the statement said.