The Indian Coast Guard have launched a 98-metre offshore patrol vessel ‘Vigraha’ at a private shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai on October 7, 2020. The vessel is the one among the series of seven vessels that were designed and built for the Coast Guard. These vessels have been built and designed by Larsen and Toubro Shipbuilding under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
About Vigraha or Yard-45007
- The vessel is 98-m long ship.
- It has a displacement of 2100 tons.
- It is capable of achieving a top speed of 26 knots.
- The vessel has an endurance of 5000 nautical miles.
- The vessel can stay at sea for 20 days without replenishment.
- Vigraha will be inducted into Indian Coast Guard in March 2021 after extensive trials and testing of the on-board equipment and machinery.
- Expected life span of the vessel is more than 25 years.
- The vessel be manned by 102 crew including the 14 officers, 88 subordinate officers and enrolled personnel.
- The vessel would serve the East Region, from Vishakapatnam after induction. It would be operated under the leadership of IG S.Paramesh.
Significance
The ship comprises of advanced navigation and communication equipment. It also contain sensors and machinery that are capable of operating in tropical climates. The vessel has been designed to carry integral Twin Engine Helicopter. Thus, it will enhance its operational, search, surveillance and rescue capability. The vessel has also been armed with a 30mm 2A42 Naval Gun and two 12.7mm guns. The vessel can be utilised for day and night surveillance, anti-terror and anti-smuggling operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone. In all, the vessel would enhance the coastal security.
Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard was established in 1977. Then, the coast guard comprises with two vessels and five boats. It has made swift progress since then. It is the fourth largest coast guard in the world and it stands larger than many navies. It has also established bilateral and multilateral agreements with countries including Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Seychelles and Maldives to secure the coastal countries and exclusive economic zone.