New Delhi, Jun 30 (IANS) In a bid to boost its coastal security, India is importing 80 fast interceptor boats at a cost of Rs.300 crore for its navy to plug gaps in patrol and interception operations that were identified following the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
The boats will be used by the newly-raised 1,000-man Sagar Prahari Bal, a senior navy officer said here Thursday.
The government has shortlisted Sri Lankan shipyard Solas Marine for placing the order for the 80 boats. A deal in this regard will be signed soon, the officer said.
The navy had last year ordered 15 boats from French firm Chantiere Navale Couach for
Rs.65 crore, of which four boats were inducted into the navy at Mumabi earlier this week, the officer said.
The 80 boats will come in batches of 15 and deliveries will be completed by 2012. The induction of the boats will take place over 36 months from the day the contract is signed, the officer added.
The fast interceptor boats have a maximum speed of 50 nautical miles per hour and would be used by the navy to intercept suspicious boats along the coast for inspection and verification. They will also be used for preventing crimes such as poaching and smuggling, apart from in counter-terror operations.
India is also getting 300 fast attack craft for its navy, coast guard and marine police to strengthen their capabilities, a decision taken in the backdrop of the 26/11 terror attack.
