The Navy on Thursday commissioned three Immediate Support Vessels (ISVs), capable of patrolling the coastal stations at high speeds.

The vessels were part of a project representing the ‘Make in India’ concept promoted by the Centre, the Navy said.

The ISVs, commissioned in Mumbai by Vice-Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, have been funded by the ONGC. They will be operated by the naval crew, a defence spokesperson said.

They are primarily meant for the security of the offshore development areas (ODA). “The induction and deployment of these ships will augment the ongoing efforts to bolster coastal security, especially with respect to offshore oil installations,” the spokesperson said.

The ISVs are fitted with Heavy Machine Guns and state-of-the art radar and navigation equipment. They can patrol the coastal stations at speeds in excess of 40 knots. These vessels have been designed and constructed by M/s SHM Shipcare, Mumbai. They make the 82nd ISV Squadron. On January 30 last, seven ISVs were commissioned and four more are expected to join the squadron soon.

Source: TH