MCGS Barracuda

MCGS Barracuda is an Offshore Patrol Vessel of National Coast Guard Mauritius. Built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, and launched on 2 August 2013, it is the first warship to be exported by an Indian shipyard.

History
India and Mauritius concluded a contract on the purchase of the MCGS Barracuda in March 2011. The ship was to have been built in 42 months with its scheduled delivery to Mauritius by September 2014. Its keel was laid in April 2012 and was launched on 2 August 2013.

Features
Valued at US$50 million, MCGS Barracuda has an integrated bridge system and cutting edge controls and main engines. It measures 74.1 m in length and 11.4 m in breadth and will be capable of moving at a maximum speed of 22 kn with an approximate displacement of 1350 tonnes. Armed with a 30mm gun featuring a stabilized optical remote control system, the Barracuda also carries on board heavy machine-guns (HMGs) and  medium machine-guns (MMGs) to deal with any hostile situation. Manned by a crew of 83 officers and men, the Barracuda can be deployed for a wide-range of tasks including anti-piracy, search and rescue, anti-smuggling and anti-drug surveillance operations. The ship will safeguard the exclusive economic zone of Mauritius and can be used as a logistics support vessel and to transport troops. The Barracuda is also capable of supporting helicopter operations without a hangar.