Indian Coast Guard launches two advanced fast patrol vessels at Goa Shipyards

New Delhi, October 24. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) achieved a major milestone in bolstering India’s coastal security with the launch of two advanced fast patrol vessels (FPVs) – ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit – at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on October 24. The ships are the seventh and eighth in a series of eight indigenously built FPVs being constructed by GSL, marking another step forward in enhancing India’s maritime surveillance and response capabilities.

Designed and built entirely by GSL, the vessels highlight India’s growing expertise in indigenous shipbuilding. Measuring 52 metres in length and displacing around 320 tonnes, the FPVs are equipped with controllable pitch propellers (CPPs) – the first of their kind in this class in India – offering superior manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency.

These high-speed patrol vessels are designed for a range of missions including fisheries protection, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, and search and rescue missions, particularly around India’s island territories and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The vessels were launched by Manju Sharma in the presence of Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Mayank Sharma, who presided over the ceremony as chief guest. The event was also attended by Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander of the ICG Region (West), along with senior officers from the Coast Guard and GSL.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayank Sharma commended both the ICG and GSL for their contribution to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. He noted that the project had strengthened domestic industry, created employment opportunities, and boosted the MSME sector, underscoring India’s pursuit of self-reliance in maritime capability.

With the addition of these FPVs, the Coast Guard will further expand its fleet of modern, high-speed platforms, ensuring enhanced operational readiness and maritime safety along India’s 7,500-km coastline. The launch also reaffirms GSL’s growing role as a key builder of next-generation indigenous defence vessels for the nation.