The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract of Rs 310 crores on Tuesday for the construction of one Training Ship for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai. The contract was signed under the Buy (Indian- IDDM) category in New Delhi. According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, this is the first dedicated training platform with integral helicopter capabilities that will be providing basic sea training to around 70 Coast Guard and other international under-trainee officers in order to prepare them on the multi-dimensional maritime aspects of Coast Guard life.
This training ship with advanced and modern high-tech surveillance and monitoring systems will provide profound insight and expertise to the Indian Coast Guard cadets on the challenges at sea. The ship will also ensure the security of coastline and offshore assets.
The majority of the equipment and systems will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This project envisages generating a large amount of employment over a period of three years. Apart from meeting the objectives of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', this project will also boost the indigenous shipbuilding capability. This project will also help in bolstering maritime economic capabilities, stated the release from the Defence Ministry.
Prior to this project, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strengthened the Indian Air Force. He formally inducted the C-295 MW transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force at the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at Hindon Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad on September 25. Singh also inaugurated the mega show on the same day in the presence of top military officials, including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
Singh and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari witnessed the display of a Kamikaze drone during the mega show.
The C-295s will eventually take the place of IAF’s ageing Avro HS 748 fleet in the 2030-31 period, reported Business Today.