RDEL launches two Indian Navy offshore patrol vessels

Indian shipbuilder Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL) launched two offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Navy at its shipyard in Pipavav on July 25.

Named Shachi and Shruti, the OPVs are the first two of overall five planned ships in the class.

The primary role of the NOPVs will be to undertake surveillance of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) besides operational tasks such as anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, maritime security of offshore assets, coastal security operations, and protection of shipping lanes.

The ships will be armed with an OTO Melara 76mm super rapid gun mount (SRGM) system along with two 30mm AK-630M guns which provide medium range and short range offensive and defensive capabilities. The armament is remotely controlled through an electronic Fire Control System.

According to the Indian Navy, the ships are fitted with diesel engine driven propulsion systems and can deliver speeds up to 25 knots.

The Indian Navy did not specify the vessels’ length or displacement but an infographic shared by a navy spokesperson shows the ships will be capable of embarking a medium lift helicopter weighing up to 12.5 tons.