One of India's leading engineering and manufacturing companies, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has received an order for an additional 18 high speed interceptor boats worth USD85 million from the Indian Ministry of Defence, L&T said in a statement.
The order is for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on behalf of the defence ministry.
L&T had previously secured an order to supply 36 similar vessels to the coast guard in a deal close to USD177 million.
Designed and constructed by L&T entirely in-house, the first of these boats was recently delivered to the ICG.
Constructed from aluminium and featuring a lightweight hull, the craft is powered by a twin water-jet propulsion system. The propulsion system ensures a quick response, which will be key for the vessel's intended activities of coastal surveillance and patrol. The vessel also has the ability to operate effectively in shallow water for near-shore operations.
Measuring 30 metres in length and with a displacement of 90 tonnes, the vessel is designed for high speed interception, close-coast patrol, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue and maritime surveillance and can cruise at a maximum speed of 40 knots. On board, the vessel features "state-of-the-art" navigation and communication equipment as well as medium-range weaponry.
J Kanojia