Article Posted on : - Dec 07, 2010

The Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) Sumitra, before launch.

GOA (BNS): Indian Navy has launched the fourth Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), from the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on Monday.

The NOPV was launched by Smt Sheila Singh, wife of Shri RK Singh, Secretary (Defence Production).

The Chief Guest, Shri RK Singh, Secretary (Defence Production), Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai NM, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area, RADM (Retd) Vineet Bakshi, Chairman & Managing Director GSL and various other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The NOPV will help to meet the increasing requirement of the Indian Navy for undertaking ocean surveillance and surface warfare operation in order to prevent infiltration and transgression of maritime sovereignty.

It will also help to monitor sea lines of communication, defence of offshore oil installations and other important offshore national assets.

Besides this, the Vessel can be deployed for escorting high value ships and fleet support operations. Sporting a flight deck, the vessel also supports operation of helicopters.

The fourth of its class, NOPV Sumitra, is powered by twin diesel engines, each driving a controllable pitch propeller through a reduction gearbox.

The Vessel is fitted with state-of-the-art Navigation, Communication and Electronic Warfare equipment. Its weaponry package have a 76 mm SRGM, two 30 mm Guns with associated fire control system together with four chaff launchers.