Sixth Offshore Patrol Vessel Vajra joins Coast Guard

Indian Coast Guard has inducted a new Offshore Patrol Vessel Vajra, into its fleet.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Wednesday commissioned the sixth in seven Offshore Patrol Vessels constructed by Larsen & Toubro.

ICGS Vajra is the 98 meter OPV fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery. 

The ship will be equipped with 30mm and 12.7mm guns with a fire control system for enhancing its fighting efficiency, ICG PRO said.

The ship draws approx 2100 tons and is propelled by Twin MTU 8000 series engines of 9100 KW each, capable of achieving 26 knots of top speed and endurance of 5000 nm at economical speed. 

It is designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter (ALH MK-III under acceptance by ICG from HAL) and four high-speed boats, including two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. 

The ship is also capable of carrying Pollution Response Equipment for oil spill response at Sea. 

The sustenance and reach, coupled with the latest modern equipment & systems, provides her with the capability to perform a Command Platform's role to accomplish the Coast Guard Charter of Duties.  

ICGS Vajra, commanded by Deputy Inspector General Alex Thomas, will be based at Tuticorin.  

ICGS Vajra will be deployed extensively for Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard Charter to safeguard India's maritime interests. 

The Indian Coast Guard, with this ship joining the fleet, will have 157 surface assets and 62 aircraft in its inventory.

• Chief of Defence Staff
• Coast Guard
• Indian Coast Guard
• Larsen & Toubro
• OPV Vajra
• Offshore Patrol Vessel
• Gen Bipin Rawat