Keel Laying And Plate Cutting For Fast Patrol Vessels At MDL

09 Apr 2026 CW Team

A keel laying ceremony for Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) four and a plate cutting ceremony for FPV seven, part of a 14 FPV project, were held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai on six April 2026. The events marked progress on Yard 16504 and Yard 16507 within a series spanning Yard 16501 to Yard 16514 and were organised by the Ministry of Defence through the Press Information Bureau.

The vessels are being fitted with state-of-the-art machinery, including an artificial intelligence based predictive maintenance system and multipurpose drones, to enhance operational readiness. Indigenous content has been augmented by a gearbox supplied by M/s Triveni, Mysore and water jets provided by M/s MJP India, reflecting a focus on domestic sourcing under national manufacturing initiatives.

The water jet propelled Fast Patrol Vessel is designed for coastal security and law enforcement duties and features a displacement of approximately 340 tonne (t). The propulsion arrangement and onboard systems are intended to permit high manoeuvrability and rapid response for patrol, surveillance and interdiction missions in the near shore environment of the Indian Ocean Region.

Keel laying of FPV four and plate cutting of FPV seven are being pursued in consonance with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and will augment the Indian Coast Guard's presence across the region. MDL will continue construction under established timelines and the series of 14 vessels is expected to strengthen maritime domain awareness and coastal security.

The construction is aligned with efforts to enhance indigenous shipbuilding capability and to support sustained operational availability through local supply chains. Emphasis on domestic systems is expected to reduce lifecycle costs and to simplify support and maintenance at coastal facilities. Stakeholders view the ongoing series as a means to bolster preparedness and to provide a platform for integrating future enhancements.

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