Almost two years after the 26/11 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, Swedish defense company Saab has won a contract to supply a coastal surveillance system for the entire 7400-kilometer long Indian coast.
The contract, awarded by India’s Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), is worth 116 million Swedish Kronor, around USD 16 million.
A statement issued by the company said the system comprises sensors to be installed along the Indian coast and equipment for regional and national control centers.
The statement adds that the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Directorate General of Shipping will also operate the system.
Saab will begin implementing the project, which includes installation, commissioning, training and support, immediately and expects to complete the execution in around 18 months in partnership with India’s Elcome Marine Services
The statement quoted Gunilla Fransson, head of Saab´s Security and Defense Solutions unit as saying, “Our systems for monitoring sea traffic have been installed on several of the coasts in the world and also along inland waterways in Europe and in China. With this order we are strengthening our position further. It is equally satisfying that we now deepen and enhance our relation with India. This project along with the co-operations we already have makes India an important long term market for Saab.”
India suffered a systemic failure of coastal security on 26/11, in spite of the large number of agencies and organizations involved in surveillance and law enforcement. Since then, authorities in India have taken several steps to beef up the coastal surveillance and security infrastructure.
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