India commissions new AOPV

PANAJI, India, May 21 (UPI) -- Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony commissioned the newest Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel into the Indian coast guard fleet Wednesday.

The commissioning ceremony, held in the west coast Indian state of Goa, introduced the fifth AOPV into service for the coast guard. Officials say the AOPV is capable of carrying five high-speed boats that will be deployed for search and rescue operations. Additionally, one twin-engine helicopter can land on the AOPV's deck, the Ministry of Defense reported.

The new AOPV, to be based in Mumbai, is equipped with navigational and communication sensors, an external firefighting system and two gun mounts along with infrared surveillance and night vision capabilities, among other technologies.

The induction Wednesday is one of two AOPVs the Ministry of Defense says it will commission along with "three pollution-control vessels, five inshore patrol vessels and 11 interceptor boats," the release said.