Reliance Defense Begins Construction of 14 Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard

The vessels are primarily designed for patrolling, anti-smuggling and anti-terrorist operations, fisheries protection and search and rescue by the Indian Coast Guard. Besides, these vessels would support the India Navy during wartime as a coastal convoy escort and a communication link.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — In consonance with Indian government's ongoing effort to fortify coastal security, Reliance Defense and Engineering Limited (RDEL) has kick-started the process of constructing fourteen fast patrol vessels (FPV) meant to be inducted into the Indian Coast Guard. The construction process is currently at the steel cutting and keel laying phase and delivery of the first 3500-ton training vessel is expected by January 2019.

The RDEL shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat expects to complete delivery of the entire fleet within three years from 2019. RDEL is the first private shipyard in India to obtain defense production license and sign a contract for defense ships in 2011.

"The 14 Fast Patrol Vessels being constructed at Reliance Shipyard are propelled by water jets and is capable of speeds up to 33 knots. The ship is equipped with one 30 mm gun and two 12.7 mm guns. The training ship, meant for training of the Indian Coast Guard officers is fitted with total 10400 KW main propulsion diesel engines delivering a max speed of 20 knots. All ship operations are controlled by an intelligent integrated platform management system," the firm said in a statement.

Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaurya entered Chennai August 24 to join Eastern Region. Ceremonial reception pics. @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/Eir68nXk5u

— DPR (@SpokespersonMoD) August 25, 2017

​Meanwhile, on Thursday, Indian Coast Guard commissioned the fifth in the series of 105-meter offshore patrol vessel (OPV) — ‘ICGS Shaurya' which is fitted with new age communication & radar system. Designed by state owned Goa Shipyard Limited, the ship is capable of carrying one twin engine light helicopter and five high-speed boats. The range of the vessel is 6500 knots.

In last fortnight, Indian Coast Guard has received two interceptor boats while two others were launched by Larsen and Toubro (L&T). The firm is constructing another seven OPVs for the Indian Coast Guard. The first delivery is expected by end of next month.

Presently the Indian Coast Guard operates a fleet of 60 ships and 19 Chetak & Dhruv advanced light helicopters which are considered insufficient for the coastline of more than 7500 kilometers. India aims to equip its coast guards with 175 ships & 110 aircraft in next five years.