15.09.2009 Indian private shipyard Pipavav plans to approach defense market and to start building combat vessels for Indian Navy. That was said to The Press Trust of India agency by Nikhil Gandhi, Director-General of the company.
As to his words, Pipavav has already presented its offer to construct five patrol ships and two drill ships for Indian naval cadets. Gandhi also reported that the representatives of Indian Navy and coastguard showed interest in the company's offer and are going to evaluate whether its production capacity meet the military requirements or not.
The Press Trust of India specifies that Pipavav company owns a shipyard with producing area of 662 x 65 m. It is capable to build large ships and repair different vessels. It is in commercial service since April, 2009.
We recall that the country's largest state shipyard Cochin is currently the basic constructive and overhaul base of Indian Navy and coastguard. Its industrial capacities are used to construct first Indian aircraft carrier which keel was laid down in February, 2009. The ship's length is 260 m and displacement is about 40 000 t.