Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh, is currently in Chennai where he will attend investiture ceremony of Indian Coast Guard. He will also take part in commissioning ceremony of ship 'ICGS Varaha'. In March 2015, Union Defence Ministry h awarded contract to L&T for construction of seven Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). first and second ships of this project have alrey been delivered to Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and are presently based in western and eastern coasts of India, and third OPV is set to be commissioned in presence of Rajnath Singh on September 25. shipyard is expected to deliver all seven ships by March 2021.

All you need to kw about 'ICGS Varaha'

ICG launched a new OPV ICGS Varaha at L&T Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai, Tamil Nu. It is fourth in series of 98 M OPVs designed and built indigeusly by Larsen & Toubro (L&T). It is fitted with vanced techlogy navigation and communication equipment, sensor and machinery. Its weaponry includes one 30 mm, and two 12.7 mm guns with a fire control system. It has been designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 kts and has an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles. It is also equipped with an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Automated Power Manment System (APMS), Integrated Platform Manment System (IPMS), and High Power External Fire Fighting (EFF) system.

It can carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats, including two inflatable boats, for boarding operation, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. It will also be capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.

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Defence Minister to confer awards after 3rd OPV commission

Rajnath Singh has also attended investiture ceremony of ICG, where he awarded 61 Gallantry and Meritorious Service medals to India Coast Guard personnel during impressive investiture ceremony.

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Defence Minister inspects ceremony:

Defense Minister furr tweeted his heartiest congratulations to brave personnel of ICG, "At outset, I congratulate all awardees and extend my heartiest felicitations. I also take opportunity to convey best wishes of Hon’ble President to personnel of Indian Coast Guard and ‘Awardees’ in particular: RM at ICG Investiture Ceremony in Chennai,"

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