In alignment with the Government’s strategic vision for Digital Armed Forces, a contract was signed between Ministry of Defence and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited, worth at a total cost of Rs 588.68 crore, for the acquisition of Digital Coast Guard (DCG) project, under the Buy (Indian) category. The DCG Project will unfold a comprehensive narrative of technological progression, encompassing the construction of an advanced Data Centre, the establishment of a robust Disaster Recovery Data Centre, amplification of connectivity across ICG sites, and the development of the ERP system. The project also leverages secured MPLS/VSAT connectivity, propelling itself to the forefront of cutting-edge defence technology. The project is estimated to generate about one and a half lakh man-days over a span of five years, fostering active participation from diverse sectors of Indian industries, thus significantly contributing to the Government’s efforts to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

Coast Guard Fast Patrol Vessels

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane laid the keel of four Coast Guard Fast Patrol vessels at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). These vessels designed by GSL is a medium range weapon fitted surface vessel with length of 51.43 mtrs, and breadth 8 mtrs. The ship is propelled with twin engine and has maximum speed of 27 Knots. Displacement of the vessel is approx. 320 Tons, and it is capable of operating in rough sea conditions. These vessels will be fitted with most modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerized controls systems, making these state-of-the-art Fast Patrol Vessels.

Cyclonic Storm ‘BIPORJOY’

Consequent to issuance of warning by IMD regarding Cyclonic Storm ‘BIPORJOY’ formed in Arabian Sea from 6 June, 2023, ICG initiated various proactive & preventive measures to ensure safety of fishermen. ICG ensured immediate evacuation of 50 crew from the rig ‘Key Singapore’.

Cyclonic Storm Hamoon

ICG assets, including aircraft, were deployed during Cyclonic Storm Hamoon for SAR and Disaster Response. ICG also monitored towing operation of distressed Research Vessel Samudra Kaustubh (25 crew including 06 Scientists). During the entire period, constant positive, liaison was maintained with all stakeholders including State administration.

MoU with Philippines

Indian Coast Guard signed an MoU with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on enhanced maritime cooperation. The MoU seeks to enhance the professional linkage between the two Coast Guards in the domain of Maritime Law Enforcement.

Rescue of pilgrims

ICG undertook 15 sorties and rescued a total of 511 pilgrims from two ferry vessels (MV Lochamati and MV Agramati) in distress. Both the ferry vessels were reported to be aground near 01 nautical mile South off Ghoramara Island. ICG Hovercrafts from Haldia and Frazerganj were deployed immediately.

Seizure of Gold

ICG seized a combined total of 50.617 kgs of gold from the apprehension of IFB ‘Star NS’ & IFB ‘Black Pearl’. The estimated commercial value of the consignments was approximately Rs 31 crore.

Seizure of Tendu Leaves

ICG seized a total of 267 kgs of Tendu Leaves from suspicious packages. The combined estimated commercial value of the consignments is approximately Rs 19 lakh.

Seizure of Narcotics

ICGS Meera Behn apprehended Iranian boat with five crew and seized 61 packets of suspected narcotics substance. Apprehended boat was subsequently brought to Okha harbour and handed over to Marine Police.

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The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of the defence ministry accorded the approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals.

Ministry of Defence said in a series of tweets, “These proposals include six for Indian Army, six for IAF, 10 for Indian Navy and two proposals for Indian Coast Guard for a total value of Rs 84,328 crores. It is pertinent to mention that 21 proposals, worth Rs 82,127 crores (97.4%), are approved for procurement from indigenous sources.”

The defence ministry said this unprecedented initiative of the DAC will not only modernize the Indian Armed Forces but also provide a substantial boost to the Indian Defence Industry towards the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

“AoNs accorded will equip the Indian Army with platforms and equipment such as Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles, Light Tanks and Mounted Gun System providing a quantum jump to Indian Army’s operational preparedness. Proposals approved also include procurement of Ballistic Helmets, with enhanced protection level, for our soldiers,” said the ministry.

The ministry said that the approvals accorded for the procurement of Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Multi-Purpose Vessels and High Endurance Autonomous Vehicles will further enhance maritime strength giving a boost to the Indian Navy’s capabilities.

“The Indian Air Force will be further strengthened with enhanced lethal capabilities by induction of a new range of missile system, Long Range Guided Bombs, Range Augmentation Kit for conventional bombs and advanced surveillance systems. The procurement of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard will enhance surveillance capability in the coastal areas to new heights,” said the ministry.

The induction and procurement of these weapons will give India an edge against China and Pakistan in the rough terrain.

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These surface platforms will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by GSL under Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category. These eight high speed vessels will be based along the coast of India with capability to operate in shallow waters and enhance the security apparatus along the vast coast line.

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As a result of its intensive patrolling in coastal areas, the ICG has seized more than 3.5 tonnes of drugs coming through the sea route in the last two years. The Coast Guard is working in close synergy with several agencies.

Post 26/11 attacks in 2008, the Central government brought in various reforms to tighten the coastal security.

In November 2008, 10 terrorists had entered India from Pakistan via the sea route and targeted multiple locations, including Taj Hotel, Nariman House and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, in Mumbai. At least 166 persons were killed and over 300 injured in the attacks that lasted four days.

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OPVs are long range surface ships, capable of operating in maritime zones of the country including island territories with helicopter operation capabilities. The OPV is 98m long, 15m wide, has 3.6m draught, 2140 tonnes displacement and a range of 5,000 nm. It can attain a sustained speed of up to 26 knots.

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Some of the roles undertaken by the OPVs include coastal and offshore patrol, policing maritime zones of the country, surveillance, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations.

The vessel will be inducted into the Coast Guard after completion of extensive trials and testing for the equipment and machinery.

Larsen and Toubro has already designed and built ICGS Vikram, ICGS Vijaya, ICGS Veera, ICGS Varaha, ICGS Varad and ICGS Vajra.

ICGS Kanaklata Barua Commissioned

Earlier, on 30 September, Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Kanaklata Barua of the Indian Coast Guard was commissioned at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The FPV was delivered to the Indian Coast Guard on June 9.

FPVs are medium-range surface vessels with a length of 50m, width of 7.5m and displacement of around 308 tonnes. Its powerful, fuel-efficient platforms are designed to perform multipurpose operations like patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching and rescue operations.

The vessels are designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of more than 1,500 nm. It is equipped with three main engines. The entire design of the FPVs has been developed in-house by GRSE as per requirements specified by the Indian Coast Guard.

Coastal Security Exercise

A two-day coastal security exercise, named ‘Sagar Kavach,’ was conducted by the Indian Navy, along with Indian Coast Guard and concluded on 8 October.

Coastal police, coastal district administration, Cochin Port, fisheries department, Customs, Marine Enforcement Wing, Central Industrial Security force (CISF), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Light House department and members of fishermen community participated in the exercise. More than 20 ships of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard as well as 50 patrol craft manned by various security agencies participated in the exercise.

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