Indian Navy to buy 80 interception boats from Sri Lankan builder

India has signed a deal worth over US$ 61 million to purchase 80 high speed interceptor boats from a Sri Lanka-based ship manufacturer, Indian news agency PTI reported.

The Indian Navy aiming to increase the security in the coastal areas around the country has decided to equip the patrolling wing Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) with the purchase 80 fast-interception craft (FICs) from Solas Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

The deal was signed with Solas Marine three weeks ago and the boats are scheduled to be delivered in the next three years.

Reportedly, the Sri Lanka-based firm was selected after a global tendering process by the Navy in June.

According to Indian naval officials the FICs with speeds between 45-50 miles per hour are planned to be used for coastal security duties and to engage any suspicious craft or activities in the coastal areas.

Dubai based multinational company, Solas Marine Services Group established the Solas Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd under Sri Lanka Board of Investment. The company is located along the Hamilton Canal at Wattala, near Colombo.