On December 14, 2020, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched the 5th & Final Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Saksham’ into water at Vasco da Gama, Goa. The OPV is being built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and is expected to be delivered to the ICG by October 2021. The ship was launched by Jayanthi Natarajan, wife of K Natarajan, Director General (DG) of Indian Coast Guard.
The OPVs are part of the second batch of vessels of Samarth class ordered by the ICG.
Key Points:
i.OPV ‘Saksham’ has been designed fully by professionals of GSL and will be used for protection of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in India.
ii.It is equipped with features like Quick Response Boats for rescue and anti-piracy, Gunnery simulators.
iii.With computerised control systems, they are the most advanced patrol vessels in service with the Coast Guard.
iv.It has an indigenous content of about 70% and weighs around 2400 tonnes.
v.OPV ‘Saksham’ is armed with 30-millimetre guns and equipped with “quick response boats” to handle emergencies along the coast, piracy and anti-terrorism missions.
vi.The indigenous project was launched in November, 2016 by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, after which 2 vessels have been commissioned and 5 have been launched.
Note: –
The other 5 OPVs of Samarth Class are ICGS Sachet, ICGS Sujeet, ICGS Sajag & ICGS Sarthak.
Recent Related News:
i.On August 13, 2020, an OPV for the ICG was launched and re-christened as Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) “Sarthak” during a ceremony held at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
About ICG:
i.It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
ii.It was established on 18th August, 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India.
