India launches fifth fast patrol vessel ‘Achal’ to bolster maritime security

Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), a premier defence public sector undertaking (PSU), on Monday launched ‘Achal’, the fifth Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) in a series of eight being built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in a significant stride towards strengthening India’s coastal security and boosting defence self-reliance, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release.

The vessel was ceremoniously launched by Kavita Harbola at the GSL facility in Goa, in the presence of Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola, Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard), signalling yet another milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Designed and constructed under rigorous dual-class certification from both the American Bureau of Shipping and Indian Register of Shipping, the 52-metre-long FPV boasts over 60% indigenous content. Weighing in at 320 tons, ‘Achal’ is equipped with a controllable pitch propeller (CPP)-based propulsion system, enabling a top speed of 27 knots—ideal for rapid-response maritime operations.

Its primary operational roles include protection of offshore assets, surveillance of exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and security of island territories—tasks increasingly critical amid the evolving security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.

The ₹473 crore project has also had a far-reaching economic impact, bolstering the local defence manufacturing ecosystem. GSL noted that the construction of the vessel created significant employment opportunities and supported a wide network of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in component manufacturing, systems integration, and fabrication.

Speaking at the event, GSL CMD Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay reaffirmed the shipyard’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, indigenously built maritime platforms. Senior officials from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard also attended the launch, which highlights the strengthening synergy between defence forces and domestic shipbuilders.

‘Achal’ follows a lineage of vessels built by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard—part of a strategic, long-term partnership that underscores the nation’s growing capabilities in maritime infrastructure and shipbuilding.

Last week, the PSU achieved a significant milestone in India’s maritime capability-building journey with the keel laying of Yard 1283—the fourth ship in the prestigious Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) series for the Indian Navy. The ceremony, held on 9th June, was attended by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS), who laid the keel in a solemn and dignified tradition steeped in naval heritage.

The keel laying marks continued progress in the construction of seven NGOPVs, being designed and built entirely in-house by the GSL under a ₹6,200 crore contract signed on 30 March 2023. The vessels are tailored to the operational requirements of the Indian Navy and stand as a testament to India’s maturing indigenous design and shipbuilding capabilities. Each vessel will be 114 meters in length, 14.6 meters in beam, with a displacement of 2,700 tonnes. The ships will feature dual diesel propulsion with Controllable Pitch Propellers and will be equipped with cutting-edge indigenous weapons and sensor suites.