Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a premier Navratna defense PSU under the Ministry of Defence, laid the keel for the first of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) being constructed for the Indian Coast Guard. Held at MDL’s Ritchie Dry Dock in Mumbai, the ceremony marks the formal commencement of construction under a ₹1,070 crore contract signed in January 2024, aimed at enhancing India’s maritime security infrastructure.
The event was attended by senior dignitaries including DIG Atul Parlikar, Technical Manager and Officer-in-Charge of the Coast Guard Shipyard Division in Mumbai, and Mr. A Vinod, Executive Director (Shipbuilding) at MDL. Representatives from key classification societies such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) were also present, reflecting the collaborative nature of this ambitious project.
These 14 state-of-the-art FPVs are a critical part of India’s initiative to upgrade coastal defense and align with the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Designed with lightweight aluminum-alloy hulls and powered by twin water-jet propulsion systems, the vessels will be capable of high-speed, agile operations in India’s 7,500-kilometre coastline and the surrounding Exclusive Economic Zone.
Each FPV will be equipped with advanced surveillance and response technologies including multipurpose drones, artificial intelligence systems, and remotely operated rescue crafts. These capabilities will support a broad range of missions such as fisheries protection, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy patrols, shallow water search and rescue, and marine pollution response.
The keel-laying ceremony featured traditional Indian rituals, with the placement of a foundation stone and floral decorations adorning the dry dock area. A prominent banner displayed the strategic collaboration between MDL and the Indian Coast Guard, reflecting a blend of modern defense production and cultural heritage.
This development comes amid India’s intensified focus on securing the Indian Ocean Region and protecting vital Sea Lanes of Communication. With an increasing number of maritime security threats, from transnational crime to geopolitical rivalries, the FPVs will play a vital role in the Indian Coast Guard’s operations, complementing naval efforts along the International Maritime Boundary Line.
MDL has long been a cornerstone of India’s naval shipbuilding, having delivered frontline assets like stealth frigates and destroyers. The FPV project is expected to stimulate ancillary industries, particularly MSMEs, supporting the broader defense ecosystem in line with national economic goals.
Officials at the ceremony reaffirmed the importance of timely execution, with the first FPV expected to set the tone for successive deliveries. The initiative represents a strategic leap in maritime preparedness and a strong statement of India’s intent to fortify its coastal security through indigenous capability and innovation.
