New Delhi: To enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, India has donated two Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to Mozambique. The gift is part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security ties and build capacity with friendly nations in the region.
The two water-jet-propelled crafts, which were transported to Mozambique aboard the Indian Navy’s INS Gharial, are designed to bolster the country’s ability to counter maritime threats and safeguard its coastal waters. Each FIC is equipped with advanced features, including a top speed of 45 knots and a range of 200 nautical miles at cruising speeds of 12 knots. The crafts are capable of carrying a crew of five personnel and are armed with machine guns, along with bullet-resistant cabins for enhanced protection.
The donation is particularly significant in light of the security challenges facing Mozambique, particularly in the volatile Cabo Delgado province. The region has been grappling with an insurgency linked to militant groups, and the fast interceptor boats are expected to enhance Mozambique’s ability to patrol its waters and protect vital maritime assets from such threats.
The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized that the gift of the FICs is part of a broader initiative to foster closer defense cooperation with countries in the Indian Ocean Region. By strengthening maritime security in Mozambique, India aims to support regional stability and promote closer ties with its maritime neighbors.
The donation underscores India’s commitment to regional security and its role as a key player in promoting peace and stability across the Indian Ocean.
