Indian Navy to receive four new fast interception crafts

The Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command will soon receive four fast interception crafts (FIC), intended to bolster its coastal defence.

Following the delivery of four FICs, the navy will take delivery of additional 12 FICs from Solas Marine Lanka and will be deployed in Ezhimala and Lakshadweep islands of Kavaratti, Minicoy and Androth.

Operated under the control of Naval Officer In-charge (Kerala), the craft will be operated by the Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB), the naval force for coastal defence.

Designed to support missions such as naval force protection, seaward security of naval assets and counter terrorism missions, the FICs can be equipped with variety of armament ranging from heavy machine guns to grenade launchers.

Capable of accommodating four to five crew members, the highly capable FICs can cruise at a speed of 45k and have an endurance of 200nm at 15kt.

Featuring bullet proof upper deck canopy, the versatile vessels are equipped with modern navigational aids and communication equipment including Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), an anti piracy device.

In addition to providing protection to vital assets and installations along the coastal areas, the boats will be used for coastal security duties.