Indian Coast Guard To Boost Its Maritime Capabilities With Major Acquisition Plan

Nine helicopters, six C-295 military transport aircraft, and maritime surveillance aircraft are scheduled to be acquired by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Director-General Rakesh Pal disclosed the acquisition plan during a meeting regarding the 25th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan.

#Watch | Visuals from the 9th National Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX) in the Gulf of Kutch off Vadinar coast near Jamnagar

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— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) November 26, 2023

Video Credit: The Indian Express

The ICG’s acquisition plan aims to replace the old fleet of Chetak helicopters with Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) and pollution response vessels.

According to reports, the Ministry of Defence is giving plenty of funds to speed up the acquisition procedures.

Pal said that with about 157 ships and 78 aircraft for maritime security, the ICG is well-equipped to fight off any threats following the terrorist attack on September 26, 2011. He underlined the efficiency of marine police and a 1-2 hour response time to any incident.

Furthermore, the ICG actively participates in addressing issues related to marine pollution. Pal emphasised the importance of protecting waters, particularly in areas like Vadinar and Gujarat’s Gulf of Kutch, where 70% of the country’s crude oil is found, given that 80% of India’s crude oil is imported.

In addition to signing contracts for 23 aircraft, including ALHs, Dorniers, and C295 long-range marine surveillance aircraft, the ICG intends to acquire 20 ships, including six offshore patrol vessels and 14 fast patrol vessels.

The force plans to patrol an area of 4.6 million square kilometres, which includes Mauritius and Seychelles.

On the eve of the terror attack’s 14th year, Pal made the announcement and pledged to maintain constant surveillance and collaboration with other agencies that are involved in coastal security. As part of its modernisation drive, the ICG is also building pollution response vessels, which should be delivered by 2025.

The Director-General emphasised the value of the biennial National Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX), which evaluates the ICG’s readiness for oil spill incidents.

Twenty ICG ships and several other entities took part in the ninth NATPOLREX, which included exercises covering everything from fighting oil tanker fires to evacuating victims and controlling oil spills at sea.

The ICG’s dedication to all-encompassing maritime security is evidenced by its cooperation with six organisations, multiple international agencies, and fourteen Union ministries.

The ICG is on course to have a fleet of 200 ships and 100 aircraft shortly as part of the ongoing modernisation efforts, further enhancing its capacity to protect India’s maritime interests.

Reference- Indian Express, Business Line

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Source: Maritime Shipping News