Article Posted on : - Mar 02, 2015

MUMBAI (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday commissioned into the Indian Navy four Immediate Support Vessels (ISVs) that are armed with heavy machine guns and state-of-the-art radar-navigational equipment.

Fadnavis commissioned the four ISVs-- T-26, T-27, T-28, T-47 into the navy, a release said.

"The ISVs are versatile ships which are capable of conducting patrolling operations and high-speed interceptions at sea using speeds in excess of 40 knots and are deployed for security of Offshore Development Areas (ODA) and coastal maritime assets," it said.

The induction and deployment of these ships will augment the ongoing efforts to bolster coastal security and provide protection to offshore assets from asymmetric threats, it added.

On the occasion, Fadnavis said that the ISV will enhance the capacity of the Indian Navy to provide better security.

"He (Fadnavis) noted with pride that this commissioning ceremony also showcases the ship-building capabilities of the country following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call of 'Make-in-India'. He assured all present that the government of Maharashtra will work closely with the Indian Navy in the field of coastal security," the release added.