The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned two more 28 m coastal interception craft, the service announced via its official social media account on 24 April.
The two vessels, which the service refers to as ICGS C-444 and ICGS C-446 respectively, were commissioned the day before in a ceremony at Kavaratti, in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India.
The vessels were built by Indian defence company Larsen & Toubro, and are part of an order for 18 craft of the type signed under a 2013 contract.
The interception craft is equipped with water jet propulsion driven by two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, and can attain a maximum speed of 45 kt with a standard range of 500 n miles at 25 kt.
The vessels can accommodate a crew of 11, including an officer, and has been equipped with a machine gun mount in the forward section.
C-444 and C-446 are expected to take on constabulary, fishery resources protection, and search-and-rescue (SAR) duties once in service.