India establishes new naval detachment at Haldia for Fast Interceptor Craft and New Water Jet Fast Attack Craft

Key facts

• The Indian Navy has begun work on a new base in Haldia, West Bengal, close to Bangladesh.
• The base will be a detachment for small warships like the Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) and the New Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (NWJFAC).
• The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the Navy's request for 120 FICs and 31 NWJFACs in 2024.
• The FICs are about 100 tonnes, have a speed of 45 knots, and are armed with machine-guns.
• The Haldia base will help keep an eye on activities in Bangladesh.
• In November, the Pakistan Navy sent PNS Saif, a Chinese-built guided missile frigate, to Bangladesh.
• Two-star level staff talks between the navies of Pakistan and Bangladesh were held for the first time in November.
• China handed over two submarines to the Bangladesh Navy and is completing a submarine base off Chittagong.