NEW DELHI: Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for construction of eight Fast Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard at a total project cost of Rs 473 crore.

These indigenously designed, developed and manufactured surface platforms by GSL under Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category, will be based along the coast of India with capability to operate in shallow waters and enhance the security apparatus along the vast coast line.

The contract was signed by Joint Secretary (Maritime & Systems) Dinesh Kumar and Chairman & Managing Director, GSL Cmde BB Nagpal (Retd) on March 28, 2022.

While meeting the objectives of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, this would boost the indigenous shipbuilding capability and increase employment opportunities in the sector. The contract will further boost the Government’s resolve of making India a defence manufacturing hub which caters to not only the domestic needs but also the export market, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.