ICGS Ajit Commissioned at Goa Shipyard to Strengthen Coast Guard Patrols off Gujarat

Summary

The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned ICGS Ajit, an indigenously built fast patrol vessel from Goa Shipyard Limited, at Goa on October 9. Part of an eight-vessel series, the 51.43-metre ship will be based at Okha in Gujarat for surveillance, search and rescue, anti-smuggling and pollution response along the Arabian Sea coast.

Article

Goa: The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Ajit at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on October 9, 2026, adding a new indigenously built fast patrol vessel (FPV) to its western fleet. Dr Sirish Choudhary, Principal Integrated Financial Adviser to the Coast Guard, presided over the ceremony.

GSL had handed over the vessel, Yard 1277, to the Coast Guard on August 25. The commissioning marks its formal induction into operational service.

Where will ICGS Ajit operate?

The ship will be based at Okha, a strategic location on Gujarat’s coast close to busy sea lanes, fishing grounds and international maritime boundaries. From there, it will support surveillance and patrols along the Gujarat coast and in the Arabian Sea.

The Coast Guard has listed its roles as search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations and marine pollution response. The vessel is also designed for fisheries protection, coastal patrols, anti-piracy missions and surveillance of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

What are its key features?

ICGS Ajit is 51.43 metres long and displaces 330 tonnes. It is powered by twin marine diesel engines driving controllable-pitch propellers, which allow blade angles to be adjusted to operating conditions. GSL says this arrangement is a first for this class of FPV in India.

The ship can exceed 27 knots and has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. It carries more than 65% indigenous content and is configured for six officers and 35 sailors. An integrated machinery control system supports monitoring and management of onboard equipment.

What is the wider programme?

ICGS Ajit belongs to the Adamya-class series of eight FPVs being built by GSL. The Ministry of Defence signed the contract on March 28, 2022, at a cost of ₹473 crore, and the vessels are built under dual class certification from the American Bureau of Shipping and the Indian Register of Shipping.

The first vessel, Adamya, was inducted in June 2025 as the first ship in the Coast Guard fleet with controllable-pitch propellers and indigenously developed gearboxes. Akshar was commissioned at Karaikal in October 2025, followed by Achal in May 2026 under Coast Guard Region (North West) and Akshay in June 2026 in Goa. Ajit’s sister vessel, Aparajit, was launched alongside it in October 2025.

Why does it matter?

Fast patrol vessels provide the Coast Guard with quick-response capability and persistent presence for law enforcement, fisheries protection and distress response, roles distinct from the Navy’s combat mission. Gujarat’s coastline, with its major ports, offshore assets and proximity to international boundaries, is a key area for such operations.

For India’s shipbuilding sector, steady deliveries from the series demonstrate growing domestic capacity to build and equip patrol vessels at scale under the Atmanirbhar Bharat push. Their effectiveness will ultimately depend on deployment patterns, inter-agency coordination, crew readiness and maintenance support.

FAQs

When was ICGS Ajit commissioned?

ICGS Ajit was commissioned at Goa Shipyard Limited on October 9, 2026.

Where will ICGS Ajit be based?

The vessel will be based at Okha on Gujarat’s coast.

What are ICGS Ajit’s main specifications?

It is 51.43 metres long, displaces 330 tonnes, exceeds 27 knots and has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.

How much indigenous content does it have?

ICGS Ajit has more than 65% indigenous content.

Which programme does ICGS Ajit belong to?

It is part of the eight-vessel Adamya-class fast patrol vessel series built by Goa Shipyard for ₹473 crore.