Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two advanced Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)– ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit– at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), in a significant step towards strengthening India’s maritime security and coastal surveillance.
These vessels are the 7th and 8th ships in a series of eight indigenously designed and built FPVs, symbolizing a major achievement in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
Key Highlights
- Event: Launch of two FPVs- ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit
- Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a premier defence shipbuilder under the Ministry of Defence
- Length: 52 metres
- Displacement: Around 320 tonnes
- Propulsion System: Equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) — first of their kind in this class in India, providing superior manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency.
- Speed & Capability: Designed for high-speed, multi-role missions across India’s 7,500 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Operational Roles & Mission Profiles
The FPVs are designed for multi-mission operational flexibility, including:
- Fisheries protection & coastal surveillance
- Anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations
- Search and rescue (SAR) missions
- Environmental protection and pollution control
- Security patrols around island territories and EEZ
With these additions, the Indian Coast Guard strengthens its fleet of modern, high-speed, agile platforms, enhancing maritime safety, vigilance, and rapid response capability in coastal waters.
Significance of Launch
Boost to Indigenous Shipbuilding:
- Both FPVs were designed and built entirely by Goa Shipyard Limited, reaffirming India’s self-reliance in defence production and indigenous ship design.
Support to Domestic Industry & MSMEs:
- The project has created employment, enhanced technological capacity, and generated significant industrial participation from MSMEs in manufacturing marine components and subsystems.
Strengthening Maritime Security:
- These advanced vessels will augment India’s ability to respond swiftly to maritime threats, protect sea lanes, and ensure coastal resilience in strategic zones.
Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)
- FPVs are high-speed, agile ships designed for coastal patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and rescue operations.
- They can operate close to the coast and in shallow waters, making them essential for maritime domain awareness and border security.
- Equipped with modern navigation and communication systems, FPVs play a key role in preventing illegal activities and ensuring maritime law enforcement.
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
- Headquarters: Vasco da Gama, Goa
- Ownership: Government of India undertaking under Ministry of Defence
- Established: 1957 (as a small barge repair yard, later expanded into a defence shipyard)
- Specialization: Design and construction of patrol vessels, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), fast interceptor boats, missile corvettes, and other naval platforms.
- Notable Contribution:
- Supplier of advanced vessels to the Indian Navy, ICG, and friendly foreign nations.
- Plays a vital role in supporting India’s Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP).
Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
- Established: 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978
- Status: Independent Armed Force of India
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Defence
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Chief: Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG)
Core Functions of ICG:
- Protecting artificial islands, offshore terminals, and installations in India’s maritime zones.
- Safeguarding fishermen and assisting them in distress at sea.
- Preventing smuggling and illegal activities in coastal waters.
- Enforcing maritime laws including the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1976.
- Preserving marine ecology and controlling marine pollution.
- Assisting in Search & Rescue (SAR) operations in coordination with national and international maritime agencies.
Strategic Importance
- The deployment of ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit will significantly enhance maritime domain awareness and response capability across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Supports India’s Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030 by ensuring safer coastal trade and navigation routes.
- Strengthens India’s maritime deterrence and blue-water ambitions under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Key Facts
| Topic | Key Facts |
| Indian Coast Guard Motto | “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect) |
| Indian Coast Guard Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (2025) | Director General Paramesh Sivamani |
| India’s Coastline Length | ~7,500 km |
| India’s EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) | ~2.37 million sq. km |
| GSL Headquarters | Vasco da Gama, Goa |
| GSL Parent Ministry | Ministry of Defence |
| Establishment Year of ICG | 1978 |
| Type of Vessels | Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Interceptor Boats |