The Indian Navy will be left with just six mine sweepers after INS Alleppey is decommissioned later this year.

“INS Kozhikode” by Indian Navy. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 in via Wikimedia Commons.

Ideally, the Navy needs 28 mine sweepers to cover fourteen ports around the country with two ships per port.

An attempt to procure Mine Counter Measure Vehicles (MCMV) in 2011 were derailed after the winning bidder was alleged to have violated rules by engaging local agents.

Another Mine Sweeper Retires, Navy Left With Just 6. Needs More Than 20