ICGS Atal: A Boost to India’s Indigenous Maritime Strength and Coastal Security

In a landmark event reinforcing India’s commitment to maritime self-reliance and coastal defense, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) successfully launched the Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Atal (Yard 1275) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on July 29, 2025. The launch ceremony, held at Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, marked the sixth in a fleet of eight indigenously designed FPVs currently being built by GSL under the Ministry of Defence.

Strengthening India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat Vision

The launch of ICGS Atal comes as a clear statement of India's technological progress and industrial self-reliance in the maritime sector. Developed in-house by GSL, a leading Defence Public Sector Undertaking, the FPV program aligns directly with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative — a national drive to reduce dependence on foreign technology and boost indigenous capabilities in defense manufacturing.

Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman & Managing Director of GSL, emphasized this vision during his address:

“The launch of ICGS Atal reflects the indomitable spirit of Team GSL and its unwavering commitment to indigenisation, innovation, and excellence in shipbuilding, even amidst global supply chain challenges.”

Design and Capabilities: A High-Speed Coastal Sentinel

The FPVs being constructed under this project are modern, agile, and multi-mission capable platforms. ICGS Atal features:

• Length: 52 metres

• Beam: 8 metres

• Displacement: 320 tonnes

These vessels are purpose-built for a range of critical maritime tasks:

• Coastal Patrol and Island Security

• Protection of Offshore Assets

• Anti-Smuggling and Anti-Piracy Operations

• Search and Rescue Missions (SAR)

Fitted with high-speed propulsion systems and state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, ICGS Atal and her sister ships are poised to dramatically enhance India’s maritime domain awareness and rapid-response capabilities across the nation’s vast coastline and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

A Milestone in Defence Collaboration

The ceremony witnessed participation from senior dignitaries of the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence, GSL, and strategic industrial partners. The Chief Guest, Shri Rozy Agarwal, Principal Internal Financial Advisor (PIFA) at the Coast Guard Headquarters, praised GSL for its execution efficiency, saying:

“Goa Shipyard has consistently demonstrated robust project management and technological innovation, playing a pivotal role in advancing India's maritime safety and preparedness.”

This project not only highlights the strategic synergy between public sector shipbuilding and maritime defense agencies but also showcases India’s growing stature as a credible naval manufacturing hub on the global stage.

Charting the Course Ahead

With two more vessels remaining in the eight-ship FPV series, Goa Shipyard continues its trajectory toward strengthening India’s coastal defense grid. These platforms are expected to be force multipliers, enabling the Indian Coast Guard to respond swiftly to threats and extend operational presence along the country’s extensive 7,500 km coastline.

In an age of rising regional maritime challenges, the launch of ICGS Atal is a timely reminder of India’s proactive measures to protect its sovereign maritime interests and uphold safety in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).