Seychelles Coast Guard operations is set to be enhanced by a 50 metre fast patrol Vessel (FPV) from India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
The fast patrol vessel will be delivered under a contract signed between Seychelles and GRSE.
Indian sources explains that the 50 metres vessel will have a maximum speed of 34 knots and an endurance of more than 1 500 nautical miles, and will be propelled by a waterjet propulsion system.
The vessel will be able to accommodate 35 personnel, and will be armed with a 40/60 mm naval gun.
For some years now, Seychelles have been a recipient of military equipment from several countries.
Seychelles Coast Guard received two Wave Rider Inshore patrol vessels from Sri Lanka in Febuary, 2019.
In 2018, India donated a Dornier Do 228 light aircraft to the Seychelles Coast Guard.
The Do 228 light aircraft is used to boost Seychelles’ maritime surveillance capability and also to enhance patrol operations needed to secure the it’s “extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 1.4 million km²”.
Also, India has gifted several Africa countries equipments to enhance their operations.
Mozambican Navy received two fast interceptor boats from India in July 2019. The L&T-class fast interceptor boats undertake patrol and rescue operations in Mozambican Exclusive Economic Zone.
