Indian Coast Guard Launches Two New Fast Patrol Vessels

27 Oct 2025 CW Team

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) strengthened its maritime security capabilities with the launch of two indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) — ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit — at Goa Shipyard (GSL) on 24 October 2025. These vessels are the seventh and eighth in a series of eight FPVs developed by GSL for the ICG, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Each 52-metre vessel, displacing 320 tonnes, is equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) — the first in its class in India — ensuring superior manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency. The ships are designed for multiple missions including coastal patrol, fisheries protection, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search-and-rescue operations across India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and island territories.

The vessels were launched by Smt Manju Sharma, in the presence of Dr Mayank Sharma, Financial Advisor (Defence Services), who officiated as the Chief Guest. Senior officers from the ICG and GSL also attended the ceremony.

Dr Sharma commended the project’s contribution to domestic industry, employment generation, and the MSME ecosystem, highlighting its role in advancing national self-reliance in maritime capability. With these additions, the ICG enhances its operational readiness and coastal safety, reaffirming GSL’s key role in developing next-generation indigenous defence vessels.

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27 Oct 2025

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