ICGS Akshar commissioned on October 4, 2025, at Karaikal enhances India’s maritime security. Built indigenously by Goa Shipyard, it strengthens the Coast Guard’s coastal surveillance.
🛡️ ICGS Akshar Commissioned: Strengthening India’s Maritime Security
Introduction: A Milestone in Indigenous Shipbuilding
On October 4, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Akshar was officially commissioned at Karaikal, Puducherry. This vessel is the second in a series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). The commissioning ceremony was graced by Smt. Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, and Additional Director General Donny Michael, Commander, Coast Guard Eastern Seaboard, along with other dignitaries from central and state governments.
Indigenous Design and Development
ICGS Akshar is a 51-meter-long vessel with a displacement of approximately 320 tons. It is powered by two 3,000 KW diesel engines, enabling a maximum speed of 27 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles at an economical speed. The ship boasts over 60% indigenous content, aligning with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Notable features include indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and gearboxes, enhancing maneuverability and operational flexibility.
Operational Role and Deployment
ICGS Akshar will be stationed at Karaikal under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East), Chennai. The vessel is expected to undertake various missions, including coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, and ensuring safe and secure seas. Commandant (JG) Subhendu Chakraborty will lead the crew of five officers and 33 personnel aboard the ship.
Strategic Importance
The commissioning of ICGS Akshar significantly enhances India’s maritime security infrastructure. It reflects the country’s growing self-reliance in defense shipbuilding and strengthens the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. The vessel’s advanced features and operational readiness contribute to the overall security of India’s extensive coastline.
📌 Why This News Is Important
Enhancing Maritime Security
The induction of ICGS Akshar bolsters India’s maritime security by providing the Indian Coast Guard with a state-of-the-art vessel capable of performing critical surveillance and security operations along the eastern seaboard.
Promoting Indigenous Defense Capabilities
With over 60% indigenous content, ICGS Akshar exemplifies India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The vessel’s design and construction by Goa Shipyard Limited showcase the country’s growing expertise in indigenous shipbuilding.
Supporting ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’
The commissioning of ICGS Akshar aligns with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign defense imports and promote domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Strengthening Coastal Surveillance Infrastructure
ICGS Akshar’s deployment enhances the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to monitor and secure India’s vast coastline, ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes and protection against illegal activities such as smuggling and piracy.
Reflecting Strategic Maritime Priorities
The addition of ICGS Akshar to the fleet underscores India’s strategic focus on strengthening its maritime security apparatus, particularly in the eastern region, to safeguard national interests and maintain regional stability.
🕰️ Historical Context
Evolution of the Adamya-Class FPVs
The Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels are part of a series of eight ships being constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard. The construction of these vessels began in 2023, with the keel of four ships being laid in August 2024. The first vessel, ICGS Adamya, was commissioned in September 2025, and ICGS Akshar follows as the second in the series. These vessels are designed to enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities in coastal surveillance and maritime security.
Goa Shipyard Limited’s Role
Goa Shipyard Limited has been a pivotal player in India’s defense shipbuilding sector. Established in 1957, GSL has been instrumental in constructing various naval and coast guard vessels. The Adamya-class FPVs are a testament to GSL’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities and its contribution to the nation’s defense infrastructure.
✅ Key Takeaways from ‘ICGS Akshar Commissioned’
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | ICGS Akshar is the second vessel in the Adamya-class FPV series, commissioned on October 4, 2025, at Karaikal, Puducherry. |
| 2. | The vessel is 51 meters long, displaces approximately 320 tons, and is powered by twin 3,000 KW diesel engines, achieving a top speed of 27 knots. |
| 3. | Over 60% of ICGS Akshar’s components are indigenously sourced, aligning with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. |
| 4. | The ship is equipped with advanced systems, including Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP), Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS). |
| 5. | ICGS Akshar will be stationed at Karaikal, under the command of Commandant (JG) Subhendu Chakraborty, and will undertake missions such as coastal surveillance and anti-smuggling operations. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ICGS Akshar?
ICGS Akshar is the second vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen India’s maritime security.
2. When and where was ICGS Akshar commissioned?
ICGS Akshar was commissioned on October 4, 2025, at Karaikal, Puducherry.
3. Who built ICGS Akshar?
The ship was indigenously designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), contributing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
4. What are the main features of ICGS Akshar?
The vessel is 51 meters long, displaces approximately 320 tons, has twin 3,000 KW diesel engines, and can achieve a maximum speed of 27 knots. It includes Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP), Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS).
5. What is the operational role of ICGS Akshar?
ICGS Akshar will perform coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue missions, and general maritime security operations along India’s eastern coastline.
6. Who is the commanding officer of ICGS Akshar?
Commandant (JG) Subhendu Chakraborty leads a crew of 5 officers and 33 personnel aboard ICGS Akshar.
7. How does ICGS Akshar promote India’s indigenous defense manufacturing?
With over 60% indigenous content and locally developed propulsion and navigation systems, ICGS Akshar strengthens India’s self-reliance in defense production.
8. Why is ICGS Akshar important for students preparing for government exams?
It is a current affairs topic highlighting India’s maritime security, indigenous defense initiatives, and strategic coastal surveillance—topics relevant for UPSC, PSC, banking, and defense exams.
9. Which initiative does ICGS Akshar align with?
It aligns with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
10. What is the Adamya-class FPV series?
It is a series of eight Fast Patrol Vessels being built for the Indian Coast Guard to enhance coastal security, with ICGS Akshar being the second ship commissioned.
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