New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS): The government on Monday approved the procurement of six indigenously-built next generation offshore patrol vessels at a cost of nearly Rs 5,000 crore for the Indian Navy to be used in military operations other than war, like anti-piracy and counter-infiltration missions.

The decision for the procurement to boost navy's operational capability was taken in a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here.

The ministry had in January this year issued a request for information to finalise specifications of the Rs 4,941 crore project which will also enhance humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and search and rescue missions.

The vessels will be built at indigenous shipyards and will be fitted with state-of-the-art sensor suite with increased endurance, according to a defence spokesperson.

Each such ship will have the capacity to accommodate 130 sailors and 20 officers, according to technical specification issued with the RFI. Each of the vessels should displace about 2,500 tonnes.

Upon induction, the ships will strengthen maritime security by undertaking a multitude of operational roles both in blue water and littorals.

The vessels, the spokesperson, said will be used for seaward defence, protection of offshore assets, maritime interdiction operations and search and seizure operations.

These will also enhance the Indian Navy's capability for carrying out surveillance missions, mine warfare, anti-piracy missions, counter infiltration operations, anti-poaching and trafficking operations.