India to deliver first defence export order to Mauritius

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) will export India's first defence equipment - an indigenously built warship - to Mauritius next month, a top official said here Friday.

"The delegation from Mauritius is already here and the sea trials are completed," GRSE chairman and managing director Rear Admiral (retd) A.K. Verma told media persons on the sidelines of a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised seminar on Defence-Industry Linkage.

Priced at $50 million, the warship has been christened GCS Barracuda and belongs to the Offshore Patrol Vessel Class.

GCS Barracuda measures 74.10 m in length, 11.40 m in breadth and is capable of moving at a maximum speed of 20 knots with an approximate displacement of 1,300 tonnes.

The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art main engines, controls and integrated bridge system catering to the modern needs of communication and navigation.

The main objective of GCS Barracuda will be safety and security of the maritime zone in Mauritius and is designed to play multiple roles to combat piracy, undertake rescue and search operations as well as perform surveillance missions.

Verma said GRSE will also be delivering 16 ships valued at Rs.10,000 crore to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard by the end of 2015.

Of the 16 ships, GRSE will deliver eight Landing Craft Utility Vehicles designed to carry tanks, trucks and troops, four Front Attack Crafts for surveillance and maritime assault operations, and another four Kamorta Class Corvettes for next generation anti-submarine operations which is built under Project 28.

In fiscal 2013-14, the public sector 'Mini Ratna' registered a turnover of Rs.1,600 crore and is poised to increase it's turnover significantly executing these consignments.