ICGS Akshar Commissioned: Boost to Coast Guard Fleet

On October 4, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Akshar was officially commissioned at Karaikal, Puducherry, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards maritime self-reliance. Designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), this vessel represents the growing indigenous capabilities of India’s defence sector under the umbrella of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.

About ICGS Akshar

• ICGS Akshar is the second vessel in the Adamya-class of Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), a series of eight ships built for high-speed patrolling and coastal surveillance duties.
• The ship features over 60% indigenous components, reflecting India’s push for localisation in defence manufacturing.

Design and Capabilities

The vessel is 51 metres long, displacing around 320 tonnes, and is powered by two 3,000 kW diesel engines that give it a top speed of 27 knots. At economical speed, it can sail up to 1,500 nautical miles, ensuring operational endurance.

Key technological features include,

• Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and indigenous gearboxes for enhanced maneuverability
• 30 mm CRN 91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCGs)
• Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS) for automation and efficiency

These systems enable the vessel to operate with reduced crew workload while increasing mission effectiveness.

Operational Role and Deployment

ICGS Akshar will be based at Karaikal, functioning under the Coast Guard Region (East) through District Headquarters No. 13. Its primary tasks include,

• Surveillance of India’s maritime zones
• Search and rescue operations
• Anti-smuggling and anti-poaching patrols
• Environmental protection in the coastal and exclusive economic zone

This versatile role makes it a critical asset in strengthening India’s coastal security grid, particularly on the eastern seaboard.

Significance for Aatmanirbhar Bharat

ICGS Akshar is a clear demonstration of India’s growing expertise in indigenous naval shipbuilding. Built entirely by a domestic shipyard and equipped with Indian-made systems, it reflects,

• Strengthening of the defence manufacturing ecosystem
• Advancement in marine automation and platform integration
• Reduction of dependence on foreign defence imports
• Boost to skilled employment and local MSMEs in ship component supply

Such efforts not only enhance strategic capabilities but also contribute to India’s long-term goal of becoming a global defence exporter.

Static Facts

• Name: ICGS Akshar
• Class: Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel
• Length: 51 metres
• Speed: 27 knots
• Endurance: 1,500 nautical miles
• Built by: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
• Commissioned on: 4 October 2025
• Location: Karaikal, Puducherry
• Propulsion: Two 3,000 kW diesel engines, CPP gearboxes