migflug
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I have explained above the utility in larger ships over smaller ships. So whilst you may be able to get 2-3 smaller ships for the cost of 1 OPV, these 2-3 ships may a) have to remain closer to shore (not able to operate in high seas) and b) have less endurance and thus have to return to port 2-3 times more often than 1 OPV. As such you would not be able to remain "on station" for as long nor would you be able to cover the full Indian EEZ.
This is not to say the ICG needs to have all of its 300 fleet in this 2,400 ton OPV class but a mix will work to the strengths of all and allow for full spectrum capabilities.
This is why the IN is exploring Missile ships based around the IN's recently inducted OPV class.
To arm every single ICG vessel with Bhramos is cost-prohibitive and a colossal waste of resources given the ICG's mandate. De-link the ICG and IN in your mind, treat the ICG as the central government's marine police force- not another military arm.
The IN is responsible for all offensive naval power- NOT the ICG.
Agreed . But why waste such large ships for ICG. we can built missile boats along with arming those huge opv as well. It hurts to see IN ships being underarmed. See Israel corvette or Russian 2k extraordinary show in Syrian conflict. Armed with 3k cruise missile.
This discussion relates to OPVs for the Indian Navy. No one is proposing missiles for the ICG, the navy and ICG know their respective roles and are equipping themselves accordingly.
Show me any Coast Guard around the world with AShMs fitted to their patrol vessels- the moment you do so you are longer a patrol vessel but a warship.
There may actually be some international framework in this regard in terms of how you define warships and patrol vessels. A coast guard can't be a coast guard if it is armed with offensive weaponry.
The IN is not standing still itself.
Yes IN is expanding . But we are way slower than Chinese. We will have three Kolkata class and one Banglore class to match their 20+ AEGIS destroyers.
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