edited by: nitya thirumalai
Last Update: December 24, 2022, 10:34 AM IST
The FICs will be capable of undertaking water-front patrolling of coastal areas including command headquarters, naval bases, naval dockyards and harbor infrastructure such as naval jetties. (Reuters/File)
According to an official communication, the Fast Interceptor Craft will be acquired by 2023 to guard the coastlines of major metros like Mumbai and Chennai.
The Indian Navy will be equipped with 120 Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) by 2030 to boost patrolling of strategic coastal areas along major metros like Mumbai, where the 26/11 terrorists entered by sea in 2008, and Chennai.
According to an official communication, the Ministry of Defense has started the process of procuring 120 Fast Interceptor Craft for the Indian Navy. These vessels are basically high-speed interceptor boats intended for patrolling and rescue operations. The FIC will be constructed in a phased manner over a period of four years from 2026 to 2030.
The FICs will be capable of undertaking water-front patrolling of coastal areas, including port infrastructure like command headquarters, naval bases, naval dockyards, break waters, naval jetties etc.
“High value units to be escorted while entering/leaving port contained in this capability. FICs will provide security to strategic assets located around naval bases and will work with force protection ships and other craft deployed. In addition, FICs High speed craft and seaward anti-terrorist patrols to protect coastal installations, naval ports and our coast.
“The FICs will operate in shallow waters and extreme tropical conditions. In addition, the FICs will also undertake independent deployments at sea for at least one day, including surveillance around the group of islands. The FICs will also conduct casualty evacuation to those requiring immediate medical care.” Will also provide medical act in the form of water ambulance for
The fast interceptor craft will be proposed in tranches of 30 ships per year between 2026 and 2030.
Recently four fast interception craft reached Kochi. These FICs can carry a variety of weapons from heavy machine guns to grenade launchers. The upper deck canopies are bullet proof. The versatile vessels are also fitted with modern navigational aids and communication equipment including AIS (Automatic Identification System) and LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device), an anti-piracy device. The ships conform to the mandatory regulations for ocean-going ships.
FIC’s work role
FICs will escort high value units, such as aircraft carriers, tankers, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, etc. while entering or leaving port. They will also do water-front patrolling in the coastal areas.
“Protect strategic assets located around naval bases. Patrol the sea front on the coast line of major metro cities like Mumbai, Chennai etc. Work with force protection vessels and other craft deployed,” the official communication said.
The FIC will also deploy high-speed craft and seaward anti-terrorist patrols to protect coastal installations. They may also be required to act as a water ambulance to evacuate persons in need of immediate medical attention.
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