ICGS Vajra commissioned to the Indian Coast Guard

ICGS Vajra commissioned to strengthen coastal security

Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Vajra’, the sixth in the series of seven Offshore Patrol Vessels constructed by Larsen & Toubro was commissioned by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, at Chennai in the presence of Director General K Natarajan, Director General, ICG; JD Patil, Whole Time Director (Defence & Smart Technologies) and Member of the L&T Board.

ICGS Vajra is the sixth vessel in the series of seven OPVs being built by L&T under a Ministry of Defence contract signed in the year 2015. OPVs are long-range surface ships, capable of operation in maritime zones of India, including island territories with helicopter operation capabilities. Their roles include coastal and offshore patrolling, policing maritime zones of India, control and surveillance, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations with limited wartime roles. The 98-metre OPV is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery. The ship will be equipped with 30mm and 12.7mm guns with fire control system for enhancing its fighting efficiency. It can attain a sustained speed of up to 26 knots.

The ship is designed to carry one twin engine helicopter (ALH MK-III under acceptance by ICG from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and four high speed boats including two rigid hull inflatable boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.The entire design and construction process has been certified by American Bureau of Shipping as well as Indian Registrar of Shipping and overseen by the ICG’s resident team at Kattupalli.