Indian Defence Ministry Signs Rs 1,070-Crore Deal For 14 Fast Patrol Vessels

New Delhi, Jan 25 (KNN) In a significant move to bolster coastal security, the Indian Defence Ministry inked a Rs 1,070-crore contract with Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) on Wednesday.

The deal aims to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard with the procurement of 14 indigenously designed and manufactured Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs).

The Defence Ministry emphasised the project's contribution to the government's commitment to self-reliance in defence.

MDL will deliver these state-of-the-art vessels equipped with high-tech features within a span of five years.

The FPVs are set to play a crucial role in various maritime operations, including fisheries protection, monitoring, control and surveillance, anti-smuggling efforts, search and rescue missions, assistance to distressed ships, marine pollution response, and anti-piracy operations.

The vessels will be equipped with multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft, and artificial intelligence capabilities, providing the coast guard with enhanced flexibility and operational advantages in dealing with modern multidimensional challenges.

Aligned with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) initiative, this contract is poised to boost the nation's indigenous shipbuilding capability, fostering employment opportunities and expertise development.

This development follows the Defence Ministry's import ban on 98 weapons and systems in April 2023, reinforcing the government's dedication to achieving self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

The move is part of a broader strategy that saw 509 defence items being placed under an import ban in the last three years, according to the fifth positive indigenisation list released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in April.

In May 2023, India reported that the value of defence production had surpassed Rs 1 lakh crore for the first time, highlighting the success of key reforms aimed at reducing dependence on military imports and transforming the nation into an exporter of weapons and systems.

(KNN Bureau)