Indian DAC Approves Acquisition of Fast Patrol Vessels for Coast Guard for $116M

India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by the defense minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved acquisition of eight Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard under the 'Buy Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)' category at an approximate cost of Rs 800 crore (US $116 million) .

These vessels will be indigenously designed and manufactured and would strengthen maritime security by undertaking day/night patrolling and policing of  the Maritime  Zones of India including interception of vessels and personnel engaged in anti-sabotage anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations as well as provide assistance for Search and Rescue medical evacuation, disaster relief operations, assistance during pollution response operations, the ministry said in a statement Monday.