Indian Navy’s Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels To Get Advanced EON-51 Systems As MoD Inks Rs 642 Crore Deal With BEL

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of 28 EON-51 Electro Optical Fire Control Systems (EOFCS) for the Indian Navy.

The agreement, valued at Rs 642.17 crore (inclusive of taxes), was signed on Saturday (8 February) and New Delhi under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

EON-51 is an Electro Optical Fire Control System which provides search, detection and classification of targets using Electro Optical and Thermal Imagers devices.

These 28 systems are slated for integration into 11 Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) and three Cadet Training Ships, significantly bolstering their operational capabilities.

The NGOPVs are a series of 11 advanced offshore patrol vessels being constructed to enhance the Indian Navy's maritime security operations in both deep waters and coastal areas.

In March 2023, the MoD finalised contracts worth Rs 9,781 crore with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the indigenous design and construction of these vessels.

GSL is responsible for building seven vessels, while GRSE will construct the remaining four.

The delivery of these ships is scheduled to commence from September 2026.

Designed with a length of approximately 110 meters and a displacement of around 2,900 tonnes, the NGOPVs will feature a hull form optimised for minimal resistance and enhanced sea-keeping performance.

They are expected to achieve a maximum speed exceeding 25 knots and an operational range of over 8,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 14 knots.

These vessels will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a hangar capable of accommodating a multi-role helicopter and provisions for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Also Read: BJP's CM Debate Heats Up As Party Wins Big In Delhi Assembly Polls