Five days after securing a $42 million export order from Denmark, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has officially signed a contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) for the procurement of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVS) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Valued at ₹1614.89 crore, these state-of-the-art vessels will be designed, developed, and manufactured by MDL in Mumbai.

According to an official press release by the Ministry of Defence, these multi-role vessels will be delivered to the Coast Guard within sixty-six months. Out of the six vessels, four will replace the existing aging OPVs, while the remaining two will augment the ICG fleet. The manufacturing of these vessels falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, emphasizing the government’s focus on indigenous production.

The acquisition of these vessels aims to enhance the ICG’s capabilities and strengthen maritime security. The Ministry highlighted that these modern ships will play a critical role in various operations such as surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime pollution response, and humanitarian assistance.

Equipped with advanced features and equipment, including multipurpose drones, AI capability, and Wirelessly Controlled Remote Water Rescue Craft Lifebuoy, these 115m OPVs will provide the ICG with greater flexibility and operational edge to tackle multidimensional challenges in the maritime domain.

The Ministry of Defence stated that this contract aligns with the objectives of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) by boosting indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, promoting maritime economic activities, and supporting the growth of ancillary industries, particularly the MSME sector. Additionally, this project will generate employment opportunities and foster expertise development in the country.

This contract marks the second collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and MDL in less than six months. Previously, on June 30, the Ministry engaged MDL for a medium refit with life certification project.