The AOPV, the third of its class to be indigenously designed and built by the GSL, will join the Coast Guard fleet in Mumbai and is expected to be shortly deployed close to the Pakistani coast.

The sophisticated 2000-tonne ship has a range of 6000 nautical miles and can stay at sea for 20 days without replenishment. The Sarang is specifically designed to meet the multiple maritime requirements of the Coast Guard in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It is to conduct anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations, search and rescue, preservation and protection of the EEZ and providing support to the Indian Navy in times of war.

The highlight of the ship is a sophisticated 76 mm Oto Melara Super Rapid gun with anti-shipping and anti-aircraft abilities.

The ship is designed to embark one Chetak or one Advanced LightHelicopter (ALH). It is commanded by Commander Ratan Kumar Okhandier and manned by 12 officers and 97 men.