Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched two fast patrol vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)— ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit — on Friday, making the 320-tonne vessels the last two ships in the series of eight FPVs being indigenously built for the ICG.
“The launch marks the completion of all eight FPV launches and a historical feat of 10 coast guard ships launching and two deliveries in the last 14 months at GSL.
In total, these are the 42nd and 43rd Coast Guard ships built by GSL,” said chairman and managing director of GSL Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay.
The vessels have over 65% of indigenous equipment, said Upadhyay. Since July 2024, GSL launched 12 vessels at an average rate of one ship every 40 days.
“In the current financial year, GSL plans to launch a dredger for a Belgian firm, a floating drydock for a foreign navy and a new generation patrol vessel. GSL has shown growth in the last three financial years. Gross revenue has increased from Rs 865 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 3,190 crore in 2024-25,” said Upadhyay.
Designed and developed entirely by Goa Shipyard Limited, the 52-metre-long FPVs displace about 320 tonnes and feature Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) — a first for this class of vessel in India — enabling superior manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency.
Capable of performing multi-mission roles, the FPVs will undertake fisheries protection, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, as well as search and rescue missions around India’s island territories and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to the Ministry of Defence, the project underscores the contribution of domestic shipbuilding to employment generation, MSME participation, and indigenous industrial growth, reinforcing India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the maritime sector.
With the induction of Ajit and Aparajit, the Coast Guard continues to expand its fleet of modern, high-speed platforms, enhancing operational readiness and maritime safety along India’s 7,500-km coastline. The launch also reaffirms GSL’s position as a leading builder of next-generation indigenous defence vessels for the nation.