Indian coast guard scouts for marine guns

Looking to upgrade its existing military hardware and strengthen its vigil of the 9,000 km Indian coast line, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is looking to acquire a large number of marine guns. The ICG has sent out a Request for Information (RFI) to global vendors for acquiring 100 12.7-mm marine guns, 70 20-mm marine guns, 36 30-mm marine guns and 36 40-mm.

The Indian government is giving special emphasis to secure the waters of the nation after the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, wherein the terrorists managed to enter the country using the loosely guarded sea route. In order to enhance maritime security, the Indian government has also set up a dedicated coastal command headed by the Indian navy. As part of the long term planning to maximise security, coast guard will raise its cadre by an additional 3,000 personnel, procure 20 fast patrol vehicles (Fops), 41 interceptor boats, 12 coastal surveillance aircraft (Dornier’s), seven OPVs and commission 14 new stations.

8ak had earlier reported that a new OPV, ICGS Vishwast, was commissioned into its fleet last month. The commissioning attaches special significance because the three OPVs are being built to replace the ageing Offshore Patrol Vessels inducted in 1980s. The first of the three Offshore Patrol Vessels was inducted in 2008.