JOIN USThree years after being entrusted with the responsibility of securing the coast, the Navy is all set to get its first offshore patrol vessel (OPV), dedicated to coastal surveillance and protecting high value assets in the sea.
The INS Saryu, the Rs 620-crore indigenous naval OPV, will be commissioned on Monday in Goa. After commissioning, it will be handed over to the Andaman and Nicobar command, where smaller sized OPVs are preferred rather than big destroyers and frigates for want of berthing space.
Made by Goa Shipyard, the first naval OPV will be followed by three similar ships within the next one and a half years, completing the Navy’s first set of coastal surveillance ships, an official said.
The ship has the capability of anti-submarine warfare and can switch from benign to offensive role as and when the situation demands. Following the 26/11 terror attacks, the Navy was given additional responsibility of coastal security apart from its blue water engagements.
While the Coast Guard traditionally does the surveillance and patrolling job closer to the shore, the Navy, too, is getting its share of brown water tasks.
The induction of the INS Saryu is aimed at meeting the increasing need for ocean surveillance and patrolling. The primary role of the ship is to undertake surveillance of the exclusive economic zones, anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, providing security to offshore assets and carry out escort duties for high value assets.
Weighing around 2,200 tonnes, the OPV has a complement of eight officers and 105 sailors and can carry a helicopter, which could either be a “Chetak” or an advanced light weight helicopter.
The 195-metre long ship will also be having heavy duty guns, electronic warfare system and early warning radars.