The defence ministry on Wednesday signed a Rs 1,614-crore contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd for procurement of six next-generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.
The acquisition of the platforms is aimed at boosting the Coast Guard's capability towards maritime security, the defence ministry said.
"The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd on December 20 for the procurement of six next-generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)," the ministry said.
It said the contract was made under the buy (Indian-IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs 1,614.89 crore.
Out of the six vessels being procured, four would replace the existing ageing offshore patrol vessels and the other two would augment the Coast Guard's 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," the ministry said in a statement.
"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," it said.
It said along with several high-tech advanced features and equipment, these offshore patrol vessels would be equipped with multipurpose drones, AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities, and wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy, enabling greater flexibility and operational edge.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Katrina Kaif Poses With Paparazzi After They Ask For A Picture With Her
Defence Ministry Signs Rs 7,628-Crore Contract With L&T For Vajra Artillery Guns Indian Coast Guard CGEPT Result 2025 For Stage 1 Released, Check Steps To Download Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Recruitment 2024 Notification Out, Check Details Parents On Mumbai Ferry Wanted To Toss Children In Sea. Rescuers Stopped Them Devendra Fadnavis Keeps Home, Eknath Shinde Gets 3 Maharashtra Ministries On Camera, Car Flips 8 Times, But No One Hurt. They Then Ask For 'Tea' Orange Alert Issued For Cold Wave In Himachal Pradesh, Snowfall Predicted "Senseless, Horrific": Centre Condemns Germany Attack, Says Indians Injured Top Court Dismisses Plea Seeking Review Of Bail Order To Senthil Balaji Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.