Indian Navy Deploys Interceptor Craft In Lakshadweep

Indian Navy’s Fast Interception Crafts (FICs) that has speed up to 45 knots has been deployed to supplement the existing surveillance assets at Lakshadweep and Minicoy (L&M) group of islands.

Deployed at Androth island, FICs will undertake patrolling around the Northern group of L&M islands, monitor shipping traffic and provide quick response to any developing security situation, The Hindu reported Wednesday.

The Indian Navy had inaugurated a Naval Detachment (NAVDET) at Androth in April this year, in accordance with the Government of India directives on coastal security. The move intended to increase naval presence at L&M, deliver communication network connectivity with mainland, enable Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) monitoring and function as an Observance and reporting organisation, in addition to radar surveillance.

The infrastructure at this island was upgraded to base these potent crafts and for providing security to L&M islands in close coordination with all stakeholders.

These FICs will operate under the administrative and operational control of Naval Officer-in-Charge (L&M).