Fourth NOPV Launched

The fourth of the new Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) was launched on 6 December 2010 at the Goa Shipyard by Sheila Singh who is the wife of Secretary of Defence Production. NPOV is equipped with twin diesel engines, each driving a controllable pitch propeller through a reduction gearbox. It is fitted with state-of-the –art Navigation, Communication and Electronic Warfare equipment. The main weaponry package of the vessel consist of a 76 mm SRGM and two 30 mm Guns with associated fire control system and four chaff launchers. The vessel accommodates a flight deck that will support operation of helicopters.

NPOV will be deployed for monitoring sea lines of communication, defence of offshore oil installations and other important offshore national assets. The vessel can also be deployed for escorting high value ships and fleet support operations.

The NOPV has been designed to meet the increasing requirement of the Indian Navy for undertaking ocean surveillance and surface warfare operation so as to prevent infiltration and transgression of maritime sovereignty.