PANAJI: With Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) preparing to deliver the Indian Army’s first high performance specialised boat to patrol the Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh, a delegation of Indian Army officials arrived for the pre-delivery demonstration.
According to GSL, the Indian Army delegation also discussed future requirements of hovercrafts and interceptor boats to patrol sensitive and strategic areas.
GSL, which bagged the a Rs 65 crore order to construct 12 specialised boats for the Indian Army, plans to deliver the first boat by early July, with three of the boats in advanced build stages.
The Army’s engineer in chief Lt Gen Harpal Singh arrived at Vasco to oversee the initial trials and to inspect the pace of construction.
“Lt Gen Harpal Singh visited Goa Shipyard to review progress of fast patrol boats being made for the Indian Army.
He also discussed future requirements of hovercrafts and interceptor boats,” said chairman and managing director of GSL B B Nagpal.
The Indian Army has ordered 12 specialised, high altitude patrol boats to match China’s heavier type-928B patrol boats and 17 flat bottomed boats to counter incursions by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The 12 boats being built by GSL will be fitted with machine-guns and surveillance gear including optical sensors.
Around six to seven years ago, the rmy acquired 17 QRT (quick-reaction) boats for patrolling the Pangong Tso