L&T launches Indian Coast Guard’s third OPV
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched the Indian Coast Guard’s third Vikram class offshore patrol vessel at its Kattupalli shipyard, the company announced on 28 August.
L&T is building seven OPVs under a contract awarded by the Indian Ministry of Defence in March 2015. The OPVs are to be delivered to the coast guard between 2018 and 2021.
Each 97m long, 15m wide OPV has 3.6m draught and 2,140t displacement with a range of 5000 nautical miles. It can attain sustained speeds of up to 26kt.
The OPVs are equipped to operate helicopters and will conduct coastal and offshore patrol, police maritime zones, and perform control and surveillance, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations with limited wartime roles.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
