Indian Coast Guard Expands FPV Fleet

The Indian Coast Guard Ship “Abhiraj”, the fourth in the series of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, was commissioned on September 2, 2014 at Tuticorin.

The 50 meter indigenous FPV displaces 290 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots with an endurance of 1500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 13 knots. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment. The ship makes an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious missions such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation. The special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous Fire Control System (FCS).

The ICGS “Abhiraj”, meaning “Brilliant”, will be based at Tuticorin and will be under administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).