"The launch is a significant and milestone event as these two NOPVs are the first warships to be launched by a private sector shipyard in India," Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command said.
Armed with 76-mm super rapid gun mount system along with two 30 mm AK-630 guns, the 105-meter-long patrol vessels with a displacement of 1500 tons can do speed up to 25 knots with the help of 20,000 kW diesel engine-driven propulsion systems. These guns will provide medium-range and short-range offensive and defensive capabilities. The armament is remotely controlled through an electronic fire control system. "It would be propelled by two diesel engines which can deliver speeds up to 25 knots and has an endurance of about 6,000 nautical miles. All ship operations are controlled by an intelligent integrated platform management system, which has interfaces for all operational activities on board the ship," RDEL said in a statement.
Reliance Defense is also engaged in the construction of a training ship and 14 fast patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard at a cost of $150 million.
RDEL is competing with another Indian private shipbuilder L&T for the $4.5 billion Indian Navy project for the design and construction of 4 landing platform docks and 8 warships of the anti-submarine warfare swallow water crafts. Bids are expected to be opened in the next few months.
