ICGS Arnvesh, a fast patrol vessel (FPV) of the Indian Coast Guard, was commissioned here on Monday by Vice-Admiral HCS Bisht, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.
The 50-metre-long, 300-tonne vessel is the 16th vessel among 20 in this category being built by Cochin Shipyard. The vessel, propelled by triple Rolls Royce Kamewa water jets, can achieve maximum speed of 33 knots, carrying a crew of five officers and 34 men onboard. It is fitted with modern navigational and communication equipment, including night vision capabilities. Its main armament comprises 40/60 Bofors guns.
Vice-Admiral Bisht said the role of Coast Guard has now become very critical and crucial. It plays a very active role in coastal security, especially when it comes to terrorism from the sea.
Vice-Admiral Bisht also spoke highly of the role of Cochin Shipyard and the indigenous capability that the country has achieved in shipbuilding. “Today, CSL is not only building FPVs and other class of vessels but is also on the verge of delivering the first indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant,” he said.
Inspector-General of Coast Guard SP Sharma said that the FPV would primarily focus on surveillance at sea, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling operation, anti-piracy and search and rescue operations.
The Indian Coast Guard has 120 ships, 63 aircraft and 10,000 men, spread across its 42 Coast Guard stations, 5 Coast Guard air stations and 10 air enclaves.
A number of 125 ships of different types are under construction at different shipyards and the plan is to have at least 150 ships and 100 aircraft under operation across the length of the Indian coast by 2019.