On December 19, 2024, a key event took place in Mumbai with the Plate Cutting Ceremony for the first of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) and the first of six Next-Gen Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
MDL was awarded a contract worth Rs 2,684 crore to build these advanced vessels under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category. These vessels will feature the latest technologies, including drones for surveillance, artificial intelligence (AI) to help make better decisions, an Integrated Bridge System for better control, and an Integrated Machinery Control System for smoother operations.
The vessels are being designed and built in India, supporting the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative, which aims to boost India’s defence capabilities. The new vessels will help the Indian Coast Guard better protect the country’s maritime borders, conduct search and rescue operations, respond to security threats, and enforce maritime laws.
Once ready, these vessels will improve the ICG’s ability to handle the growing demands of coastal security and protect India’s vast coastline. This project marks an important step in strengthening India’s defence industry and will help the ICG stay ready to face future maritime challenges. (PR)