Navy commissions 3 more ISVs to augment coastal security

Bengaluru, March 24: The Indian Navy on Tuesday commissioned the second batch of three Immediate Support Vessels (ISVs) at Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

According to Navy Spokesperson Capt D K Sharma, the ISVs comprising T-38, T-39 and T-40 were commissioned by Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command.

"These ships would enhance Indian Navy's capability in furthering its mandate of maritime safety and security over the Offshore Developmental Areas on the Eastern sea board," naval spokesperson said.

The three ISVs will constitute the 84th ISV Squadron based at Visakhapatnam. The first batch of ISVs was commissioned last year in June.

Out of the three ISVs commissioned today, two were built by Rodman Spain, while another one came from the Abu Dhabi Ship Builders (ADSB).

The project was a joint collaboration between Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Ship Builders and the Indian Navy.

"These ISVs were brought to Naval Dockyard Mumbai where Delivery Acceptance Trials were carried out. These ships have sailed 1,200 nautical miles from Mumbai to Visakhapatnam over duration of 12 days before getting commissioned at the Eastern Naval Command," Vice Admiral Satish Soni said.

Navy says that the ISVs proved their sturdiness as they crossed successfully the Gulf of Mannar facing strong winds and high seas.

The induction of these ISVs will augment the ongoing efforts to bolster coastal security and provide protection to our offshore assets from asymmetric threats.

More teeth to Navy's coastal surveillance:

* The ISVs are armed with Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs).
* Fitted with state-of-the-art radar and navigation equipment.
* Two caterpillar engines of 1600 MHP each to provide water jet propulsion.
* These engines provide the ISVs high speed of 40 knots and endurance of 500 nautical miles.
* The ISVs are capable of carrying out day and night surveillance.
* Can be used for rapid insertions/extraction of Marine Commandoes for military intervention.