Indian Coast Guard Plans To Expand Operational Fleet With 200 Ships And 100 Aircraft

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) plans to expand its fleet to 200 ships and 100 aircraft as it looks to strengthen surveillance and response capabilities across India’s maritime zones, the force said on Monday.

The expansion would increase the Coast Guard’s current fleet of 155 ships and 82 aircraft as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security.

In a post on X, the ICG said it maintains a constant watch over India’s maritime frontiers through the continuous deployment of ships and aircraft, enabling round-the-clock surveillance and rapid response.

“The ICG is further strengthening its operational capabilities with an expanded fleet of ships and aircraft. Together, these advanced surface platforms and air wings form an impenetrable shield, safeguarding India’s maritime zones,” the Coast Guard said.

It added that its future force structure is aimed at expanding the fleet to 200 ships and 100 aircraft.

The Coast Guard currently operates 155 ships, including interceptor boats, patrol craft and hovercraft, along with 82 modern rotary-wing and surveillance aircraft.

Earlier this month, the ICG held a one-day conference, titled “Extending Capability for Distant Horizons,” at its headquarters in New Delhi to discuss future fleet requirements with Indian shipbuilders and design houses.

The conference was inaugurated by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani and brought together leading Indian shipyards and design organisations to discuss future platforms for the Coast Guard.

As part of the fleet expansion, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) is building six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the ICG.

The vessels will have an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles, allowing them to operate farther from shore, stay at sea for longer periods and carry out sustained missions.

Each vessel will be 117 metres long, have a top speed of 23 knots and accommodate 11 officers and 110 personnel.

The ships will also be fitted with AI-based predictive maintenance systems, remotely piloted drones, an Integrated Bridge System and an Integrated Platform Management System.

The Coast Guard has also started receiving modern Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), or hovercraft, to replace its ageing fleet.

References: defence.in, IANS