The contract
is part of the government's initiative to strengthen India's coastal
security.
OPVs under the project are long range surface ships, capable of operation
in maritime zones of India, including island territories with helicopter
operational capabilities. Their roles include coastal and offshore patrolling,
policing maritime zones of India, control and surveillance, anti-smuggling
and anti-piracy with limited wartime roles.
In keeping with Government's 'Make in India' focus, complete design
and engineering of OPVs is planned to be undertaken in-house at L&T's
Warship Design Centre, the company said in a press release. The first
OPV under the project is scheduled to be delivered within 36 months
from signing of the contract. Subsequent OPVs shall be delivered at
six months interval.
L&T is already executing MoD contracts for design and construction
of 54 fast Interceptor Boats (IBs) for the Indian Coast Guard. 25 IBs
have already been delivered so far to ICG with the latest boat having
been delivered 23 months ahead of schedule. L&T is targeting to
complete delivery of all boats far ahead of schedule.
With contracts for 54 IBs and 7 OPVs, L&T is positioned as the largest
supplier of patrol vessels to the Indian Coast Guard, the release said. |
