Copyright freepressjournal
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) marked a significant milestone with the launch of two advanced Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), ‘AJIT’ and ‘APARAJIT’, at M/s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). These vessels are the 7th and 8th in a series of eight being constructed by GSL for the Coast Guard. The vessels were launched by Smt. Manju Sharma amid the resonant chanting of the Atharva Veda, in the august presence of Dr. Mayank Sharma, IDAS, Financial Advisor (Defence Services), Ministry of Defence, as the Chief Guest. Senior dignitaries, including IG Bhisham Sharma, PTM, TM, COMCG (West), and other senior officers from the ICG and GSL, graced the occasion. Designed and built by GSL, the FPVs are tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Coast Guard. With a length of 52 metres and a displacement of 320 tonnes, these vessels are equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP), the first of their kind for this class in India, thereby offering enhanced manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency. Designed to undertake a wide range of missions, these agile platforms will be deployed for fisheries protection, coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search & rescue operations, particularly around India’s island territories and Exclusive Economic Zone. The Chief Guest commended the Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard for their commitment to fully indigenous shipbuilding and congratulated all stakeholders on achieving this critical milestone. Aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the project showcases the power of indigenous innovation, significantly contributing to local industry, employment generation, and the MSME ecosystem. With the launch of ‘AJIT’ and ‘APARAJIT’, the Indian Coast Guard strengthens its operational edge, while GSL reaffirms its role as a key enabler of next-generation, indigenous maritime power.
