Kochi: The Indian Cost Guard on Friday commissioned the fast patrol vehicle (FPV) Aadesh , built by the public sector Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
The vessel, having a designed speed of 33 knots, is the first in a series of 20 numbers FPVs contracted by the CSL for the ICG. The contract was signed in 2010 with the delivery of the last vessel slated for 2017.
The ship, to be based in Tuticorin under the eastern coast guard region, has been designed by the Kochi - based SEDS. Its primary role includes fisheries protection and monitoring, coastal patrol, search and rescue operations.
Vice admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command, who addressed the event, said that the maritime agency will be a 150 ships and boats and 100 aircraft marine force in next five years. Besides, a coastal surveillance network is being established with 46 stations to ensure real time surveillance.
Interacting with mediapersons later, Soni said that the navy will be handing over its second helicopter for enhancing surveillance in the Maldives region.
“The helicopter, to be developed by the Hindustan Aeronatics Limited will be manned by our personnel’’, he said, adding that the senior hierarchy in the Naval wing of both the countries sharing excellent vibes.
Further, he also spoke the plans to meet the Chief Secretary of Kerala in the coming January. “The meeting will discuss the preparations and address the shortcomings in the state’s coastal security’’, he said.
