The Government has sealed a significant deal worth Rs. 1614 crore with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders, based in Mumbai, for the construction of six offshore patrol vessels. This agreement, signed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), comes just days after securing a $42 million export order from Denmark.

The contract involves the procurement of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVS) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), emphasizing their indigenous development by Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL). The vessels, which will be state-of-the-art and multi-role, are scheduled to be delivered within sixty-six months.

Out of these six vessels, four are intended to replace existing aging OPVs, while the remaining two will enhance the ICG fleet. The Ministry of Defence, in an official statement, highlighted that these modern ships will significantly augment the ICG's capabilities, specifically in areas such as surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, maritime pollution response, and humanitarian assistance.

These 115-meter OPVs will come equipped with cutting-edge features and equipment, including multipurpose drones, AI capabilities, and Wirelessly Controlled Remote Water Rescue Craft Lifebuoy. Such technological advancements aim to provide the Indian Coast Guard with increased flexibility and operational advantages to tackle diverse challenges in the maritime domain.

The MoD emphasized that this contract aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, fostering indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and boosting ancillary industries, particularly the MSME sector. Moreover, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities and expertise development within the country.

This collaboration marks the second contract between the MoD and MDL in less than six months. The previous agreement, signed on June 30, engaged the defence PSU for the medium refit with life certification (MRLC) of the "INS Shankush," a sub-surface killer (SSK) class submarine, at a total cost of Rs. 2725 crore.

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