India has fast-tracked the order for 12 specialised fast patrol boats, with advanced surveillance gear and other equipment, for patrolling the Pangong Tso lake.
The boats would be fully armed and will be used for patrolling and rapid troops` deployment in and around that area.
The Army inked the around Rs 65 crore contract for the 12 new patrol boats, with spares and maintenance for four years, with defence PSU Goa Shipyard on Thursday. “The deliveries of the boats will begin from May this year. They will be deployed in Pangong Tso lake, which is frozen at present,” said an officer.
The Indian Army had on Friday signed a contract with M/s Goa Shipyard Limited for 12 Fast Patrol Boats for surveillance and patrolling of large water bodies, including those in high altitude areas.
The boats are being built by the Goa Shipyards Limited at its Vasco De Gama facility and it will have mounted guns at both front and rear and would be able to transport troops.
“The boats would be operated and maintained by the Corps of Engineers. These boats shall be vital in ensuring security along the borders/Lines of Control spread over vast water bodies, including those in high altitude areas,” Army officials said.
“The new boats will be stronger with more capacity and are being manufactured in India,” said army officials.
It is to be noted that there has been an on-going tussle between Indian and Chinese army in eastern Ladakh for the last 8 months.
The Delivery of the boats would commence from May 2021.
