India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday announced the signing of a $128 million contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for a new batch of Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the country's maritime security force, the Indian Coast Guard.
The deal will pave the way for the induction of 14 such ships in the ICG.
"These multi-role FPVs will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by MDL," the MoD said in a statement.
Besides being armed with multipurpose drones and advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, the FPVs will boast of other state-of-the-art features like "wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy".
These FPVs will allow ICG to deal with multi-faceted challenges, including tackling smuggling, surveillance in coastal areas, and anti-piracy operations.
"The acquisition of these FPVs is aimed to boost ICG's capability and reinforces the increased focus of the government towards maritime security," the MoD added.