INDIA. Mumbai: As part of its readiness plan, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) recently concluded a maiden contract for the acquisition of 10 multicopter drones, in consonance with the Government of India’s policy of embracing drone technology capable of being launched from both ships and shore stations.
Equipments
The ICG, which celebrated its 47th Raising Day on Wednesday, is focused on updating its existing capabilities. To overcome the obsolescence in Dorniers, a contract has been signed for the mid-life upgrade of 17 aircraft with state-of-the-art systems/sensors. The procurement of an additional 100 drones by 2025, Multi-Mission Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MMMA), and Twin Engine Helicopters (TEHH) are also envisaged to bolster the operational capability of the Indian Coast Guard, official sources said.
The ICG is also in the process of modernising its airfields under the “Modernization of Air Field Infrastructure (MAFI)” project with the installation and commissioning of modern airfield equipment like Doppler Very High-Frequency Omni Range (DVOR), High Power Distance Measuring Equipment (HP-DME), and the Air Traffic Management System (ATMS).
This upgrade of navigation aids and infrastructure would enhance the operational capability of air operations even in poor visibility and adverse weather conditions while improving aeronautical safety, the officials stated.
Under the government’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiatives, the ICG acquired six ships built by Indian shipyards and four air squadrons (16 ALHs) built by M/s HAL. Further, 21 ships (including 2 pollution control vessels) are under construction at 3 shipyards. They will be ICG’s frontline ships for combating marine pollution.
In keeping with the nation’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and “Neighborhood First,” the Indian Coast Guard imparted training to several officers and personnel below officer ranks from friendly foreign countries in 2022.
On the marine environment protection front, the ICG, the Central Coordinating Authority for oil spill response in Indian EEZ, ensured that there were no major oil spill incidences in Indian waters throughout 2022.
It also took active pollution response and prevention measures when the “MV Princess Miral” ran aground off New Mangalore (Karnataka), the “MT Global King-1” off Porbandar (Gujarat), and the “MT Parth” off Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) in the last year.
Besides, a National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-VIII) was conducted off Goa in April 2022, in which 13 CG Ships, 9 aircraft, and two foreign Coast Guard Ships participated.
Observers from 19 countries watched the exercise, which showed how the ICG could respond to a major oil or hazardous and toxic substances (HNS) spill in the Indian EEZ and help friendly countries in case of an emergency.
Achievements
True to its motto, “Vayam Rakshamah” (“We Protect”), the ICG has saved over 11,881 lives since its inception in 1977. These include 279 lives saved in 2022. Besides, its institutionalised mechanism of sharing information with littoral countries led to the seizure of drugs and contraband worth Rs. 3260 crore in three different operations.
In addition, its vigilance resulted in the seizure of weapons and narcotics worth Rs. 2924 crore. The apprehension of Pak Boat “Al Soheli” with about 40 kg of narcotics along with six pistols, 12 magazines, and 120 live rounds in Okha (Gujarat) is a telling example of ICG’s robust detection and response mechanism.
Steady Growth
From a modest beginning with just seven surface platforms in 1978, ICG has grown into a formidable force with 158 ships and 78 aircraft and is likely to achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80 aircraft by 2025.
On the occasion of its 47th Raising Day, the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defense Minister extended greetings and congratulated the ICG on completing 46 glorious years of yeoman service to the nation.
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