Next-Generation Patrol Vessels Set to Enhance Anti-Piracy Operations: MoD
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Synopsis
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the next-generation patrol vessels will be crucial for anti-piracy operations, with the Indian Navy set to receive two Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) soon. These vessels are designed for various operations, enhancing maritime security.
Key Takeaways
- Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels to aid in anti-piracy.
- Two vessels expected to join the Navy soon.
- Keel laying ceremony held in Ratnagiri.
- NGOPVs designed for Coastal Defence and Search and Rescue.
- Part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on Sunday that the next-generation patrol vessels will be vital in anti-piracy missions, stating that the nation's Navy will soon acquire two Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs).
According to a senior ministry official, these advanced vessels will be deployed in various operations including anti-piracy missions.
Previously, a Keel Laying ceremony for the second and third NGOPVs took place in Ratnagiri.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral R Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, along with other senior officials.
The NGOPVs, with a tonnage of approximately 3000T, are engineered for Coastal Defence, Surveillance, and Search and Rescue operations.
“These vessels will significantly contribute to the safeguarding of offshore assets and anti-piracy missions,” the official stated.
This Keel Laying event marks a crucial milestone in the overall project timeline.
The 11 NGOPVs are being constructed in alignment with India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’, aimed at strengthening the Indian Navy's maritime capabilities.
These vessels are being built by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), with contracts for the indigenous design and construction of 11 NGOPVs finalized on March 30, 2023, between the MoD and GSL, as well as Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
Seven ships will be manufactured by GSL and four by GRSE.
Main hull blocks of Yard 1281 and Yard 1282 are currently being fabricated at Yeoman Marine Services Private Ltd in Ratnagiri as part of GSL’s build strategy.
The senior official noted that to bolster the strength of the Indian Navy, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved several key proposals.
“DAC has sanctioned the procurement of Varunastra Torpedoes (Combat), an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo created by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory,” he added.
He further mentioned that the induction of more quantities of this torpedo will enhance the Navy's capabilities against submarine threats from adversaries.
