The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued four requests for proposals (RFPs) to various local shipyards for the construction of 34 new vessels for the country's navy and coast guard.
The RFPs, whose approximate total value is Rs 15,000 crore (US$2.17 billion), are for six next generation missile vessels (NGMVs), eight fast patrol vessels (FPVs), 12 air cushion vehicles (ACVs), and eight missile-cum-ammunition barges.
The MoD claims the acquisition of the ACVs would help pave the way for similar vessels to be used in civil applications such as passenger transport, tourism, and disaster response.
More RFPs for other navy and coast guard shipbuilding projects are to be issued in the coming months, the ministry added.
