ICGS Atal: Strengthening India’s Maritime Power and Coastal Security – A Step Towards Indigenous Excellence

On July 29, 2025, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched the Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Atal for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in Vasco-da-Gama, Goa. This marks the sixth ship in a series of eight FPVs designed and built in India. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to becoming self-reliant in maritime defense.

The ICGS Atal isn’t just a new vessel; it’s a symbol of India’s growing technological prowess in the defense sector. GSL, a key player in India’s defense landscape, has worked hard to align with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology.

Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, GSL’s Chairman and Managing Director, stated, “The launch of ICGS Atal reflects the strong spirit of Team GSL and its commitment to innovation and excellence in shipbuilding.”

ICGS Atal is designed for speed and efficiency. It’s 52 meters long and 8 meters wide, with a displacement of 320 tonnes. These vessels are built for various missions:

• Coastal patrol and security
• Protection of offshore assets
• Anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations
• Search and rescue missions

Equipped with cutting-edge propulsion systems and surveillance technology, ICGS Atal enhances India’s maritime awareness and quick-response capabilities along its vast coastline, which stretches over 7,500 kilometers. This is particularly important given the growing regional maritime challenges.

The launch event included notable figures from the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and Ministry of Defence. Shri Rozy Agarwal, the Principal Internal Financial Advisor at the Coast Guard, highlighted GSL’s efficiency and innovation. He remarked, “Goa Shipyard has shown remarkable project management, crucial for India’s maritime safety.”

This project demonstrates the synergy between India’s public sector shipbuilding and its maritime defense agencies, showcasing India’s position as an emerging naval manufacturing hub.

As two vessels remain in the FPV series, GSL is on track to bolster India’s coastal defense. The effective use of these ships will allow the Indian Coast Guard to respond more swiftly to threats and maintain a strong presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

This launch serves as a reminder of India’s proactive measures to safeguard its maritime interests, reinforcing national security and stability in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

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Indian Coast Guard, ICGS Atal, Goa Shipyard Limited, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Fast Patrol Vessel, Indian Defence, Maritime Security, Coast Guard Vessel, Shipbuilding India, Indigenous Defence Production