OPV Vijaya: Indian Coast Guard patrol vessel launched

The second indigenously built offshore patrol vessel (OPV) named Vijaya built by Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Shipyard for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was launched at Kattupalli Shipyard, Tamil Nadu. It is expected to be inducted into service by September 2018 after trials on the equipment.

OPV Vijaya

The OPV is 98 metre long and 14.8 metres wide with gross tonnage of 2,100 tonnes. It has endurance of 5,000 nautical miles with cruising speed of 12-14 knots which can be increased to 26 knots. The ship is fitted with two units of diesel driven engines of 9,000 kw each with low fuel consumption.
It is equipped with state-of art radar, navigational and communication system. It will be utilised for day and night patrol and surveillance, anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations and coastal security. It is fitted with 30 mm automatic gun with Fire Control System (FCS) and two units of 12.7 mm gun with FCS.
Its navigation and communication system are capable of operating in tropical conditions. It also has capacity to carry one integral twin engine helicopter which will further enhance operational, surveillance, search and rescue capability. It will be manned by 102 crew, including 14 officers.

Background

The Defence Ministry as part of rapid expansion of Indian Coast Guard to strengthen maritime security mechanism had signed Rs 1,432 crore contract with L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli to indigenously design and build seven OPVs. The first OPV named Vikarm as part of the deal was launched in October 2017. It was country’s first-ever such defence craft to be built in private shipyard. It will be inducted into service by March 2018 after completing necessary trials on fitted equipment and machineries.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2018