Indian Coast Guard Launch Two Indigenous Fast Patrol Vessels ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’

In a major move to enhance India’s coastal security, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) recently launched two new Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar.’ Built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL), these 52-meter-long vessels are designed to support various ICG operations, such as surveillance, search and rescue, and coastal protection. With over 60% indigenous content, the launch of these vessels is part of an eight-FPV contract valued at Rs 473 crore, marking a notable step in India’s pursuit of defense self-reliance under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Indigenous Fast Patrol Vessels: Adamya and Akshar

The newly launched Fast Patrol Vessels ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’ are equipped to meet the dynamic and multifaceted demands of coastal security. These vessels are built to maintain coastal surveillance, support search and rescue operations, and perform interdiction missions when needed. Their capabilities align with India’s maritime security strategy and emphasize indigenous technological advancements.

Key Features of FPVs ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’:

1. High Speed and Maneuverability: These FPVs are designed to reach a maximum speed of 27 knots, which is approximately 50 km/h. The high speed of these vessels enhances their response time, allowing the Indian Coast Guard to tackle threats swiftly.
2. Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) System: The vessels feature a Controllable Pitch Propeller system, which provides flexibility in speed control, making them well-suited for quick acceleration and precise maneuvering. This is especially crucial in operations involving close-quarter maneuvers or when intercepting fast-moving targets.
3. Lightweight Construction and High Displacement: With a displacement of 320 tons, the vessels balance speed and stability. Built using lightweight materials, the FPVs can handle rough sea conditions while maintaining the agility required for fast patrol missions.
4. Operational Readiness: Both ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’ are fitted with essential equipment for effective coastal patrol, including advanced radar, navigational aids, and communication systems. These enable the vessels to function as command centers, facilitating coordinated operations with other ICG units and government agencies.

Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL): Strengthening India’s Maritime Defense Capabilities

Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL), responsible for constructing these vessels, has made significant contributions to India’s naval defense sector. Known for its expertise in building technologically advanced and indigenously designed ships, GSL aims to strengthen India’s maritime defense while promoting local production and reducing dependency on foreign manufacturers. The two FPVs, ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar,’ incorporate more than 60% indigenous content, which aligns with GSL’s mission to foster domestic manufacturing and fulfill India’s defense requirements through indigenous development.

This contract for eight FPVs, valued at Rs 473 crore, underscores GSL’s pivotal role in bolstering India’s maritime security framework. By adhering to stringent standards of quality and efficiency, GSL has built these vessels to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Coast Guard, allowing India to maintain a robust presence in its coastal waters.

Role of FPVs in Coastal Surveillance and National Security

India’s extensive coastline, stretching over 7,500 kilometers, demands vigilant patrolling to address challenges ranging from illegal fishing and smuggling to potential security threats posed by maritime terrorism. FPVs like ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’ are designed to handle these roles effectively, thanks to their advanced speed, communication, and maneuverability capabilities.

The primary roles of these Fast Patrol Vessels include:

1. Coastal Surveillance: The FPVs are equipped to conduct long-duration coastal patrols, providing a crucial layer of security along the coastline. Their presence acts as a deterrent to illicit activities, and their high speed ensures prompt response in case of any incidents.
2. Search and Rescue Operations: The vessels’ agility and advanced communication equipment make them valuable assets for search and rescue missions. The Indian Coast Guard can deploy these FPVs to save lives in distress situations, whether from natural calamities or accidents at sea.
3. Interdiction of Illegal Activities: FPVs are often deployed to intercept and apprehend vessels involved in illegal activities such as smuggling, drug trafficking, or unauthorized fishing. The vessels’ CPP system provides high maneuverability, making it easier to intercept non-compliant vessels.
4. Maritime Safety and Coordination: These FPVs serve as mobile command centers, coordinating operations with other units in the Indian Coast Guard and interacting with other government agencies when necessary. This capability is critical for maintaining a cohesive approach to coastal security.

Make in India: A Commitment to Indigenous Defense Production

The launch of ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’ reaffirms India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production. With over 60% indigenous content, these FPVs embody the spirit of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign manufacturers for defense equipment. By prioritizing local production, the Indian government is working to strengthen its defense capabilities while creating jobs and fostering innovation in the domestic sector.

Moreover, this indigenous approach helps India control the costs of defense production and ensures that the Indian Coast Guard is equipped with vessels that meet its specific operational requirements. These advancements are essential as India seeks to fortify its coastal defenses against a variety of evolving security challenges.

India’s Maritime Defense Strategy

The Indian Coast Guard’s expansion of its fleet with modern, agile FPVs highlights India’s strategic vision for maritime security. With a coastline as expansive as India’s, maintaining security is essential not only for protecting coastal communities but also for securing vital trade routes and marine resources. As part of a larger strategy, these new FPVs will complement other ICG vessels, surveillance aircraft, and radar systems to create a comprehensive maritime defense network.

As GSL continues delivering the remaining FPVs under this contract, the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capacity will expand further. The advanced capabilities of vessels like ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’ position India as a regional leader in maritime security, enhancing both national and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The induction of indigenous Fast Patrol Vessels ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’ into the Indian Coast Guard’s fleet marks a major advancement in India’s maritime defense capabilities. Built by Goa Shipyard Ltd., these FPVs, with their high-speed capabilities, advanced maneuverability, and indigenous content, are an asset to India’s coastal security strategy.