16 meters fast interceptors handed over to Mozambique by the Indian Navy.
The Indian Navy has handed over two Solas Marine fast interceptor craft to Mozambique and provided military training during a port visit by the tank landing ship INS Kesari.
Indian Naval Ship Kesari entered the Port of Maputo on 25 December under Mission Sagar, India’s initiative to deliver COVID-19 related assistance to countries in the Indian Ocean region. 500 tons of food aid was shipped by INS Kesari to support the efforts of Mozambique to cope with ongoing drought and the concurrent challenges of the pandemic.
In support of capacity building of the Mozambican military, INS Kesari delivered two 16 metre fast interceptor craft (T310 and T311) and self defence equipment that was handed over to the Armed Forces of Mozambique on 27 December.
The fast interceptor craft were built by Solas Marine in Sri Lanka. A total of 80 craft were delivered to the Indian Navy between 2013 and 2017. The interceptors are 16 metres long with a draught of .8 metres. Water-jet propulsion gives a top speed of 45 knots and a range of 200 nautical miles at 12 knots. They can carry machineguns and feature bullet-resistant cabins.
The 30 metre long fast interceptors (named Namiliti and Umbeluzi), displace 90 tonnes, have a top speed of 45 knots, range of 500 nautical miles and are typically armed with machineguns. They are powered by two Caterpillar marine engines and two auxiliary generators. Waterjets are used for high speed performance. The aluminium-hulled vessels are crewed by a dozen sailors and are designed for surveillance, patrol, search and rescue, anti-poaching, counter-smuggling and other maritime security missions.