GSL Fast Patrol Vessels: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) achieved a significant milestone in India’s defense production by launching two indigenously designed and built Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Amulya and Akshay, for the Indian Coast Guard on January 5.
The event, attended by Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), highlighted the importance of such projects in advancing India’s self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Kumar praised the vessels’ over 60% indigenous content, underscoring India’s progress in defense manufacturing.
As per Economic Times, these two FPVs are part of a fleet of eight vessels being constructed under a ₹473 crore contract signed in March 2022. The ships are tailored to meet the Indian Coast Guard’s operational needs, reflecting GSL’s commitment to delivering advanced maritime platforms.
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CMD of GSL, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, noted that this achievement was supported by the shipyard’s modernization efforts, including the use of a state-of-the-art ship-lift system, which enabled the simultaneous launch of two vessels for the first time in GSL’s history. He also highlighted the shipyard’s impressive growth, with a 100% increase in revenue exceeding ₹2,000 crore.
The FPVs, each 52 meters long with a displacement of 320 tonnes, are equipped with advanced technology, including controllable pitch propellers, a first for such vessels in India.
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They are designed for a range of missions, including fisheries protection, coastal and island patrols, safeguarding the exclusive economic zone, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, and search-and-rescue missions. These vessels are expected to greatly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to protect offshore assets and ensure maritime security.
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The launch of Amulya and Akshay follows the earlier launches of Adamya and Akshar in October 2024. Beyond strengthening maritime security, the project has had a positive economic impact, providing employment opportunities and supporting MSMEs and local industries within GSL’s network.
Senior officials from the defense and maritime sectors attended the ceremony, celebrating the event as a vital step in advancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and achieving greater self-reliance in critical sectors.
