In order to strengthen the maritime security mechanism, Indian Coast Guard has inducted Vijaya ship now. The Indian Coast Guard which is responsible for protecting India’s maritime interests and enforce maritime law over the territorial waters of India, has inducted indigenously built Vijaya ship on Friday in its fleet. This is the second in the series of 98m offshore patrol vessels ( OPVs).The 2,200-tonne ship,will maintain surveillance in the eastern seaboard, including both Bay of Bengal and Odisha coast, to prevent any possible influx of Rohingyas and pther illegal migration.
Having Commissioned 'Vijaya' at #Chennai, @IndiaCoastGuard Director General Rajendra Singh arrives Coast Guard Western Seaboard #Mumbai to review the Preparedness for #SAR during Ganpati Visarjan in #Maharashtra & #keralafloods2018 Relief & Rehabilitation work @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/0e36puqHfe
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) September 16, 2018
Powerful and smart
Vijaya is 98 meter long and 14.8 metre wide ship with an advanced light helicopter and a high-speed boat on board. It is fitted with advanced technology navigation and communication equipment and sensors. For instance, it is fitted with a 30 mm gun and will be fitted with a 12.7 mm gun with fire control system. It has a crew strength of 94 sailors and 12 officers. With an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles, it can cruise at speed of 12-14 knots. The ship is the second vessel made by L&T under the ‘Make in India’ scheme in the past six months.
More to come
ICGS Vijaya was commissioned by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra at the Chennai Port in presence of ICG Director General Rajendra Singh. Many such ships are likely to be inducted into the ICG to ensure better surveillance in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal regions.
