Indian Coast Guard Plans Fleet Expansions
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report Feb 1, 2011 NEW DELHI — By 2012, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is planning to double the number of ships and aircraft in its fleets, compared to 2008 levels, and to achieve a strength of about 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2018, says its director general, Vice Adm. Anil Chopra. The ICG also is planning to seek bids for another 30 helicopters soon. The ICG’s fleet comprises 24 Dornier-built helicopters, with four more to be delivered by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. in April. The Dorniers are being retrofitted with surveillance radars, automated identification systems and infrared sensors. The service also is looking at leasing two aircraft for outsourcing maritime air surveillance of the country’s coastline. “Aviation is a complex business. Legalities in leasing take time,” Chopra tells Aviation Week. India is considering adopting themodel of the Australian government’s Surveillance Australia program, part of the Cobham Services Di...