Indian navy to buy Lankan boats

1 July 2011 03:25 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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As part of the exercise to strengthen coastal security post 26/11, the Navy has decided to procure 80 interception boats at a cost of Rs 300 crore from a Sri Lanka-based ship manufacturer. The boats are planned to be used by the newly formed Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) and other wings of the Navy, naval officials said. The contract process for 80 Fast Interception Craft (FIC) from Sri Lanka-based SOLAS Marine is in its final stages and the deal is expected to be finalised soon, they said.

The Navy had last year placed an order worth around Rs 60 crore for 15 such boats with a French shipyard Chantier Naval Couach. The first three boats of the lot were inducted four days back for operational service at Mumbai, they said. Delivery of the first 15 FICs is expected to be completed by the end of 2012 and the next 80 would be inducted in coming 36 months, they said.

The boats, with speeds between 45-50 miles per hour, would be mainly deployed for coastal security duties and would be used for engaging any suspicious vessel or activity in these areas, they said. With four to five crew members and capability to patrol far off areas, the boats would also be deployed to provide protection to vital assets and installations along the coastal areas.

Post 26/11 attacks, the Navy was given the responsibility to look after coastal security along with the Coast Guard and the local authorities. After the Mumbai attacks, in which 166 people were killed by terrorists from Pakistan who landed on the shores of the mega metropolis, the government had announced a slew of measures for plugging gaps in maritime security including creation of a 1,000-personnel-strong Sagar Prahari Bal.

A number of proposals for acquiring equipment for coastal surveillance and boats and vessels were also cleared by the government to strengthen the Navy and the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is also setting up a network of radars atop light houses under a Rs 350-crore project, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The sea guards are also being provided increased aerial assets and infrastructure for improving surveillance capabilities in the coastal region.

Source: The Times of India

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Comments - 9

Kivulegedara Friday, 01 July 2011 04:04 AM

Its a good news & sign for Lankan boat manufacturers.

lnkn Friday, 01 July 2011 04:05 AM

A very encouraging venture. Our navy built there own boats for RABS & SBS.

prof.a Friday, 01 July 2011 05:12 AM

sympathy creation

Mfq Friday, 01 July 2011 05:17 AM

Reverse Swing

Konde Bendapuchhena Friday, 01 July 2011 06:17 AM

Good income for the Country

lal Friday, 01 July 2011 11:28 AM

Congratulations to Sri Lankan boat builders! This will create more skilled jobs and bring foreign exchange into the country

I Hussein Friday, 01 July 2011 11:26 AM

Well, what if the hard disc go missing again.

Arun Friday, 01 July 2011 02:30 PM

Economic ban , ha ha

Thomas Friday, 01 July 2011 03:17 PM

Also offer the air crafts & get money & settle the IDP's

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Indian navy to buy Lankan boats

Comments - 9

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