Two Fast Patrol Vessels constructed by GSL for Indian Coast Guard launched

Tags: Defence

Why in the news?

• Two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) - Amulya and Akshay - indigenously designed and constructed by the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were launched in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar in Goa.

Important points:

• The two FPVs are the third and fourth vessels of the fleet of eight FPVs being constructed by GSL for ICG, underscoring the shipyard’s pivotal role in realising the vision of Aatmanirbharta in defence production.  

• The first two FPVs of the same series - Adamya and Akshar – were launched in October 2024. The contract was concluded in March 2022 for Rs 473 crore. With over 60% indigenous content, these state-of-the-art FPVs are designed in-house by GSL to meet ICG’s specific operational needs.

• With a length of 52 meters and a displacement of 320 tonnes, these vessels will strengthen ICG in protecting offshore assets and island territories. 

• For the first time inGSL’s history, the vessels are being launched simultaneously using the shipyard’s state-of-the-art ship-lift system, a transformative feat that underscores GSL’s modernisation efforts.

• This is the first time in India that a Fast Patrol Vessel is being built with a controllable pitch propeller. 

Objectives:

• Its primary role will be fisheries protection and monitoring island territories, exclusively economic zones and coastal patrol. 

• Vessels shall also perform anti-smuggling, anti-piracy and search & rescue operations.