Indian Navy to buy 80 interception boats from SL

As part of an exercise to strengthen coastal security post the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, the Indian Navy has decided to procure 80 interception boats at a cost of 67 million dollars from a Sri Lanka-based ship manufacturer.    The boats are planned to be used by the newly-formed Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) and other wings of the Indian Navy, PTI reported, quoting Indian Naval officials.

According to Indian Naval officials, the contract process for 80 Fast Interception Craft (FIC) from Sri Lanka-based SOLAS Marine is in its final stages and the deal is expected to be finalised soon. The boats, with speeds between 45-50 miles per hour, would be mainly deployed for coastal security duties and would be used for engaging any suspicious vessel or activity in these areas, the report said.          With four to five crew members and capability to patrol far off-areas, the boats would also be deployed to provide protection to vital assets and installations along the coastal areas, it added.

Post the 26/11 attacks, the Indian Navy was given the responsibility to look after coastal security along with the Coast Guard and local authorities.