Article Posted on : - Sep 11, 2009

Governor of West Bengal Gopal Krishna Gandhi being presented a memento by Vice Admiral Anup Singh at the commissioning of two Water Jet Propelled Fast Attack Craft ( WJFAC), named INS Cora Divh and I N S Cheriyanm in a factory, in Kolkata on Thursday. Image Credit: PTI

NEW DELHI (BNS): The Indian Navy has inducted two water jet propelled fast attack craft (WJFACs) -- INS Cheriyam and INS Cora Divh -- that will be used to counter sea-based terrorism, according to media reports.

The ships that are of the new series of WJFACs are being built by state-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers of Calcutta. The fast attack boats will replace the existing Seaward Defence Boats.

The 325-ton WJFACs can achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots and measure about 50 meters in length.

WJFACs are designed to be effective even in shallow waters, and have day-night surveillance capability and firepower that will enhance coastal security, Defence News quoting a navy official said, Thursday.

The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers have received orders for 78 WJFACs from the Indian Home Ministry. The Indian Navy which has been assigned the overall responsibility of maritime security, including coastal and offshore defence.

India has put the acquisition of anti-terror weapons on its fast track in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, including fighting terrorists on the sea. The Ministry of Defence has cleared equipment and weaponry under this category worth more than $1 billion, boats, including fast attack boats, interceptor craft, hovercrafts and offshore patrol vessels, the report said.