The Government of India has recently provided two water-jet propelled Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) to Mozambique as part of its capacity-building support for friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These FICs, transported from India on board INS Gharial, are intended to bolster Mozambique’s maritime security and counter-insurgency capabilities. Equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins, these vessels have a top speed of 45 knots and can cover 200 nautical miles at 12 knots, enhancing Mozambique’s ability to address maritime threats, including terrorism and insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region.
The handing over ceremony of the FICs was attended by key officials, including High Commissioner of India to Mozambique, Robert Shetkintong, India’s Defence Adviser in Maputo, Col Puneet Attri, and the Commanding Officer of INS Gharial, Commander Rajan Chib. Augusto Casimiro Mueio, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence in Mozambique, accepted the vessels on behalf of the country. This initiative builds on previous support from India, which included the gifting of two large interceptor vessels and two FICs in 2019 and January 2022, respectively, to further strengthen Mozambique’s maritime security efforts.
The Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) provided by India to Mozambique are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the maritime security capabilities of friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These vessels, with their advanced features and capabilities, will enable Mozambique to effectively combat maritime threats, including terrorism and insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region. This strategic cooperation underscores India’s commitment to supporting regional security initiatives and fostering stronger ties with countries in the IOR.
Overall, the gifting of the Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) to Mozambique by the Government of India represents a significant step towards enhancing the maritime security and counter-insurgency capabilities of the recipient country. With the support of these advanced vessels, Mozambique will be better equipped to address maritime threats and safeguard its waters, contributing to regional stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This initiative reflects the growing cooperation between India and Mozambique in the realm of maritime security and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing common security challenges in the region.
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