New Delhi: Indian Coast Guard future platforms took a major step forward as the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) hosted a high-level conference with leading Indian shipbuilders and naval design companies in New Delhi. The meeting focused on planning advanced, indigenous, and technology-driven ships that will strengthen India’s maritime security under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The conference also highlighted the Coast Guard’s long-term plan to modernise its fleet using domestically built platforms.
Details of Indian Coast Guard Future Platforms Plan
The Indian Coast Guard organised a one-day conference titled “Extending Capability for Distant Horizons” at its headquarters in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Director General Paramesh Sivamani and brought together India’s leading shipyards, naval architects, and defence industry experts to discuss the future of Coast Guard shipbuilding.
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The conference aimed to define technical requirements for future vessels and encourage closer collaboration between the Coast Guard and Indian defence manufacturers.
Indian Coast Guard Future Platforms Plan: Top Indian Shipbuilders Participated
Representatives from several major Indian defence and shipbuilding companies attended the conference, including:
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
- Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
- Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
- L&T Shipbuilding
- Titagarh Rail Systems
- Tata Advanced Systems and other defence technology firms
Officials exchanged ideas on future vessel designs, advanced technologies, and indigenous manufacturing to improve India’s maritime capabilities.
What are the Focus Areas of Indian Coast Guard Future Platforms Plan
The conference strongly supported the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Discussions focused on:
- Future offshore patrol vessels
- Multi-role platforms
- Indigenous shipbuilding
- Modern digital technologies
- Improved operational efficiency
- Long-term fleet expansion
Officials also discussed measurable technical standards for future procurement to ensure better performance and reliability.
Indian Coast Guard Future Platforms Plan: Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels
The Indian Coast Guard is currently receiving six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
These vessels are expected to significantly improve the Coast Guard’s ability to patrol India’s maritime zones.
Key Features
- Around 117 metres in length
- Maximum speed of 23 knots
- Endurance of nearly 5,000 nautical miles
- Accommodation for about 11 officers and 110 personnel
- AI-based predictive maintenance systems
- Integrated Bridge System
- Integrated Platform Management System
- Capability to operate remotely piloted drones
These modern ships will allow longer deployments at sea while supporting surveillance, search and rescue, and law enforcement missions.
Air Cushion Vehicles Also Joining the Fleet
The Indian Coast Guard has also started inducting new Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), commonly known as hovercraft. These indigenous hovercraft can operate in shallow waters, marshes, beaches, and sandbars where conventional vessels cannot easily reach.
The induction of these ACVs will improve coastal security, disaster response, and rescue operations.
What is the Importance of Indian Coast Guard Future Platforms Plan
According to Coast Guard officials, the conference served as a collaborative platform to:
- Develop future-ready shipbuilding specifications.
- Improve indigenous defence manufacturing.
- Adopt modern technologies.
- Enhance operational effectiveness.
- Build technologically advanced maritime platforms for future security challenges.
The discussions are expected to help India’s shipbuilding industry align more closely with the operational needs of the Indian Coast Guard.
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