NEW DELHI - India plans to build up its maritime security agency, the Coast Guard, with additional personnel and assets, a move prompted by the November 2008 attacks on Mumbai by terrorists who arrived by sea.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony, announced Oct. 28 in his address at the Coast Guard Commanders' Conference here that an additional 3,000 Coast Guard personnel will be recruited on an urgent basis, according to a Defence Ministry statement.
The minister also announced that the Coast Guard is acquiring 20 fast patrol vehicles, 41 interceptor boats, 12 Dornier coastal surveillance aircraft and seven off-shore patrol vehicles. Work also is in progress on a chain of 46 coastal radars that will link nine coastal stations. Moreover, nine new Coast Guard stations have been approved.
The Coast Guard boost was recommended by a high-level panel the government established in July to regularly review India's coastal security, a senior Navy official said.
Acquisition of the platforms, weapons and other equipment for the Coast Guard will be fast-tracked.
The Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program is ready to test a few components that soldiers may have in their hands by 2010.
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