In a major boost to Marine Surveillance and Interdiction capabilities, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has concluded its maiden contract for ten multicopter (VTOL) drones in consonance with the Government of India’s policy of embracing Drone Technology from a startup Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd. The Defence Ministry said these drones are capable of being launched from ships whilst underway, as well as shore stations.
These drones will play a significant role in the reach of the ICG units during Surveillance and Security operations. In addition, these drones are going to assist in Search and Rescue (SAR), both by day as well as night. The ICG plans to induct 100 additional drones by 2025, to meet the ever-growing challenges in India’s Maritime Zones and Search and Rescue Region.
The smallest among the armed forces after the Army, IAF and Navy, the Coast Guard is tasked with coastal security, EEZ surveillance, anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, oil -spill and pollution control operations, among other missions.
Team BharatShakti
