Article Posted on : - Nov 23, 2016

A representational photo.

KOCHI (PTI): The Indian Navy said it has deployed Fast Interception Crafts (FICs) at Androth island to complement the "existing surveillance assets" at Lakshadweep and Minicoy (L&M) group of islands.

"Capable of doing speeds of about 45 knots, these FICs will undertake patrolling around the Northern group of L&M islands, monitor shipping traffic and provide quick response to any developing security situation," the Navy said in a release on Tuesday.

An induction ceremony was held at Androth island on Tuesday wherein many dignitaries from the civil administration as well as the Indian Navy and Coast Guard besides local population were present to receive the FICs which arrived there in the evening.

The civilian dignitaries, included Sub Divisional Officer, PC Hameed, Asst Engineer PWD, MD Khaleel while military dignitaries included Capt JCS Reddy, Naval officer in Charge (L&M), Lt Cdr A B Singh, Officer in Charge Naval Detachment, (NAVDET) Androth.

In accordance with the government of India directives on coastal security, the Indian Navy had inaugurated a NAVDET at Androth in April this year, with a view to extending naval presence at Lakshadweep and Minicoy, to provide communication network connectivity with mainland, enable Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) monitoring and function as an observance and reporting organisation, besides radar surveillance.

The infrastructure at this island was upgraded to base these potent crafts and provide security to Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands in close coordination with all stakeholders, the release said.

These FICs will function under the administrative and operational control of Naval Officer-in-Charge (L&M), it added.