New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said on Monday that it is targeting to further strengthen its operational capabilities by expanding its fleet to 200 ships and 100 aircraft to monitor the horizon of the country’s maritime zones.
In a post on X, the ICG said,”@IndiaCoastGuard maintains a steadfast vigil over #India’s maritime frontiers through continuous deployment of ships and aircraft, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance and rapid response.”
“The #ICG is further strengthening its operational capabilities with an expanded fleet of ships and aircraft. Together, these advanced surface platforms and air wings form an impenetrable shield, safeguarding India’s maritime zones,” it said.
The post said, “The upcoming future force level targets a powerful expansion to 200 ships and 100 aircraft.”
At present, a diverse fleet of 155 advanced ships, including interceptor boats, crafts and hovercrafts, stands guard in the maritime zones, supplemented by a versatile wing of 82 modern rotary surveillance aircraft.
Earlier this month, the ICG organised a one-day conference, themed “Extending Capability for Distant Horizons,” at the Coast Guard headquarters in New Delhi to deliberate with shipbuilders and design houses on future platforms for fleet expansion.
The conference, inaugurated by Paramesh Sivamani, ICG Director General, brought together leading Indian shipyards and design houses to deliberate upon the future platforms.
At the moment, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) is building six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the ICG. These will be large ships with an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles.
This will not only enable the force to reach further but also allow these platforms to remain at sea for longer periods and carry out sustained operations.
These ships will be capable of achieving a maximum speed of 23 knots. Measuring 117 metres in length and comprising 11 officers and 110 men, they will also feature state-of-the-art machinery and advanced technological systems, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems, remotely piloted drones, Integrated Bridge System, and Integrated Platform Management System.
The ICG has also begun receiving modern Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), or hovercrafts, to replace its ageing fleet.
(IANS)
