Reliance Defence launches patrol vessels for Indian Navy
25 Jul 2017
Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL), a part of the Anil Ambani-controlled Reliance Infrastructure, today announced the launch of the first two naval offshore patrol vessels (NOPVs) - 'Shachi' and 'Shruti' - built at its shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat.
Preeti Luthra, wife of Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command, launched the two ships at the RDEL Shipyard Pipavav, Gujarat.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra said that the launch is significant and a milestone event as these two NOPVs are the first warships to be launched by a private sector shipyard in India
The two offshore patrol vessels (codenamed NS001 and NS002) are a part of five ships under P-21 project being constructed for the Indian Navy by Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited.
RDIL is the first private shipyard in India to obtain defence production licence and sign a contract for defence ships in 2011, the company said in a release, adding it is also engaged in construction of a training ship and 14 Fast Petrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Cost Guard.
The five NOPVs being constructed at Reliance Shipyard are patrol ships armed with 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) system along with two 30mm AK-630 guns, which provide medium range and short range offensive and defensive capabilities. The armament is remotely controlled through an electronic Fire Control System.
The ships are fitted with 20,000 kW diesel engine driven propulsion systems and can deliver speeds up to 25 knots. All ship operations are controlled by an intelligent Integrated Platform Management System, which has interfaces for all operational activities on-board the ship.
RDEL had earlier built ships for varied clients, including Ice Bulk Carriers for Norwegian company, offshore support vessels for ONGC and offshore deck cargo barges for NPCC-UAE. The company has also repaired and retrofitted commercial and defence ships as well as mobile oil drilling platforms for international clients.