The defence ministry gave its for the procurement of six next generation offshore patrol vessels at a cost of Rs 4941 crore.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met on Monday to take stock of the ongoing procurement.
“DAC has accorded approval for procurement of six indigenously designed & manufactured Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for Indian Navy at an approximate cost of Rs 4941 crore,” said a defence ministry official.
According to officials, the NGOPV would be better armed, with better sensors, longer endurance, more percentage of indigenous components under the Make in India, stealth features, and state of the art technology and equipment.
Defence ministry said that the NGOPVs will be built in Indian shipyards and will be fitted with cutting edge sensor suite with increased endurance.
"And these platforms will strengthen maritime security by undertaking a multitude of operational roles both in blue water and littorals. These include seaward defence, protection of offshore assets, maritime interdiction operations and search & seizure operations, surveillance missions, mine warfare, anti-piracy missions, counter infiltration operations, anti-poaching/trafficking operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and search & rescue missions,"an official said.
Earlier in January 2018, the Indian Navy had issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding proposal to have new generation offshore patrol vessels. According to the technical specification issued with the RFI, the NGOPV should displace about 2,500 tonnes, and feature accommodation for approximately 130 sailors and 20 officers, including four female officers.
RFI also stated that the platform will also be used by the Indian Navy for military operations other than war (MOOTW) such as search and rescue (SAR) missions, non-combatant evacuations, and anti-poaching patrols.