Indian Coast Guard commissions new ICGS Abhiraj FPV

The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned the new Abhiraj Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV), which is the fourth of 20 vessels that are being built under a contract by Cochin Shipyard.

To be based at Tuticorin under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East), the new 50m-long home-built FPV will support ICG’s plan to beef up force levels to face future maritime security challenges.

Being built as part of $338m contract signed in October 2010, the FPVs are capable of carrying out missions including anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, fisheries protection, search and rescue (SAR), exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, and coastal patrol.

With a displacement capacity of 290t, the new Abhiraj FPV boasts a maximum speed of 33k together with an endurance of 1500nm at 13k speed.

Powered by water jets, the vessels also integrate special features including integrated bridge management system (IBMS), integrated machinery control system (IMCS) and a gun mount with indigenous fire control system (FCS).

Further, the vessel is equipped with latest weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment, which makes it to be capable of being deployed for missions including surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation.

The vessel also integrates some special features such as Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with domestically developed Fire Control System (FCS).

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