The Indian Ministry of Defence has awarded Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited a contract to design 14 fast patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.
According to the company, the contract is worth Rs. 916 crore (approx. $141.5 million).
Fast patrol vessels are medium range, high speed vessels used for patrol within exclusive economic zone, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy and search & rescue operations.
The company said the bidding process was a competitive one and saw the participation of all major Indian shipyards including L&T, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE).
Reliance Defence further said it is the first private contractor to receive a contract to design and build such a class of ships for Indian Armed Forces. RDEL will be developing the design in-house.