Indian Coast Guard ship ‘Rajshree’, the first of a series of eight inshore patrol vessels (IPVs) being built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, was commissioned by Vice Admiral M.P. Muralidharan, Director General Indian Coast Guard, in the presence of Inspector General S.P. Sharma, PTM, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).

The 50 m long indigenous IPV displaces 300 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots, with an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles at economical speed of 16 knots. Equipped with stateof-the-art weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment, it makes an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast missions such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. The special features of the ship include an integrated bridge management system (IBMS), integrated machinery control system (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous fire control system (FCS).

Vice Admiral Muralidharan dwelt upon the criticality of capacity building towards tackling emergent maritime challenges. He reiterated the need for continuous vigil along the nation’s maritime frontiers to preserve and protect India’s maritime interests. He further stated that several far-reaching initiatives towards augmentation of manpower and force levels were under way that would provide the requisite fillip to the Coast Guard’s capabilities.