India invests 200 million in 6 OPVs equipped with AI for Coast Guard.

According to information published by the Indian MoD on December 20, 2023, the Ministry of Defence of India finalized a contract, with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), for the procurement of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The agreement is valued at ₹1614.89 crore (US$200 Million).
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Signature of the contract between the Indian government and Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders. (Picture source: MDL)

This contract involves the replacement of four existing Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) in the ICG's fleet and the addition of two new vessels. The NGOPVs are planned to be equipped with various advanced features, including Multipurpose Drones, AI capabilities, and Wirelessly Controlled Remote Water Rescue Craft Lifebuoys.

The procurement of these vessels is part of an effort to update and enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard in surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue, response to maritime pollution, and other maritime operations.

The vessels, measuring 115 meters each, will be indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured by MDL, Mumbai. The completion of this project is expected over a period of 66 months.

The contract aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, promoting indigenous shipbuilding and expected to support maritime economic activities and the growth of related industries, including the MSME sector in India.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is revolutionizing naval intelligence collection and analysis. AI technologies are enabling more efficient identification of threats, like surface-to-air missile sites, and the development of new collection techniques, such as wide-area surveillance.