Indian MoD press release
The contract was made under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs1614.89 Crore. Out of the six vessels being procured, four would replace the existing aging OPVs and the other two would augment the ICG fleet.
The acquisition of these major ICG platforms is aimed to boost the ICG’s capability and reinforces the increased focus of the Government towards Maritime Security. These modern and high-tech Ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, Law enforcement, Search and Rescue, Maritime Pollution Response, and other important capabilities including humanitarian assistance by the ICG. Along with several high-tech advanced features and equipment, these 115m OPVS would be equipped with Multipurpose Drones, AI capability, and Wirelessly Controlled Remote Water Rescue Craft Lifebuoy, etc. enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the ICG to face new age multidimensional challenges.
These Multi-role State-of-the-Art vessels will be indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured by MDL, Mumbai, and will be delivered in a total period of 66 months. The contract achieves the objectives of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ to boost the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capability, bolstering maritime economic activities and fostering the growth of ancillary industries, especially the MSME sector. The project will also generate employment opportunities and expertise development in the country.
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Naval News comments:
The 115 m long NGOPVs will be the largest ships in the ICG, which currently operates multiple 105 m class OPVs. These OPVs will significantly enhance the ICG’s maritime patrol capability.
The ICG NGOPV project is distinct from a similarly named acquisition by the Indian Navy, which has 11 NGOPVs on order. According to a MoD press release on March 30, 2023:
The contract for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was signed with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata at a total cost of Rs 9,781 crore. Of the 11 ships, seven will be indigenously designed, developed & manufactured by GSL and four by GRSE. The delivery of the ships is scheduled to commence from September 2026.
The acquisition of these ships will enable the Indian Navy to maintain its combat capability and meet various operational requirements such as Anti-Piracy, Counter-Infiltration, Anti-Poaching, Anti-Trafficking, Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), Protection of Offshore Assets etc. The construction of these ships will generate an employment of 110 lakh man-days over a period of seven and half years.
