ICGS AKSHAR
WHY IN NEWS?
- On October 4, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Akshar—the second vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) series—was commissioned at Karaikal, Puducherry.
- The vessel, indigenously designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), is a significant milestone under India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
ABOUT ICGS AKSHAR
| Feature | Specification |
| Name | ICGS Akshar (“Akshar” means imperishable) |
| Class | Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel (2nd in the series of 8) |
| Builder | Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) |
| Length | 51 metres |
| Displacement | Approx. 320 tons |
| Speed | Max speed of 27 knots |
| Endurance | 1,500 nautical miles at economical speed |
| Propulsion | Two 3,000 KW diesel engines |
| Propellers | Two Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) |
| Weaponry | – 30 mm CRN 91 Gun |
- Two 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCG)
- Fire-control systems
Advanced Indigenous Systems Onboard:
- Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
- Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
- Automated Power Management System (APMS)
→ All these enhance automation, situational awareness, and mission readiness
PRIMARY ROLE
- Surveillance and patrolling of India’s coastal and exclusive economic zones (EEZ).
- Enforcing maritime laws, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue (SAR).
- Supports coastal security under Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).
SIGNIFICANCE
1. Boost to Maritime Security:
- Enhances India’s ability to monitor and respond to threats along the Eastern Seaboard.
- Strengthens ICG’s capability in maritime domain awareness (MDA).
2. Indigenisation & Aatmanirbhar Bharat:
- Over 60% indigenous content, including critical propulsion and weapon systems.
- Aligns with Government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
3. Strategic Coastal Deployment:
- Stationing at Karaikal (Puducherry) boosts strategic maritime presence in Bay of Bengal and Eastern Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
BACKGROUND
- A class of 8 high-speed, agile vessels built by GSL.
- Designed for multi-role operations including:
- Surveillance
- Interdiction
- SAR
- Pollution response
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