The vessels will be manufactured locally and will be fitted with state-of-the-art sensor suite with increased endurance (File photo)

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman met in Delhi today and approved the procurement of six indigenously designed and manufactured Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Navy at an approximate cost of Rs 4,941 crore.

The NGOPVs will be manufactured locally and will be fitted with state-of-the-art sensor suite with increased endurance. These platforms will strengthen maritime security by undertaking a multitude of operational roles both in blue water and the coast.

It will allow India to enhance seaward defence, search and seizure operations, surveillance missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.