At a function here on Wednesday to launch the Super Dvora Extra Fast Attack Craft built by GSL, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Southern Naval Command, Vice-Admiral R N Ganesh warned GSL officials that orders from the Navy could dry up if things didn't improve at the yard.

The Navy had ordered two such attack craft from GSL, at around Rs 19 crore each. The first craft is scheduled to be commissioned in May while its successor will be completed some time next year. Naval sources say the delivery of these craft have been delayed by about six to eight months due to labour trouble at the yard.

The extra fast attack craft, christened the `Big Bee', is being built in collaboration with IAI Ramta of Israel. Said to be the smallest and fastest combat vessel in the Indian Navy, the T-81Super Dvora would be outfitted with a 20mm forward gun which can be controlled `optronically' and fired through a remote control. The vessel will also be fitted with a state-of-the-art Marconi radar and communication systems.

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Sources say the Navy plans to induct the Super Dvora fast attack craft off the Mumbai and Gujarat coasts. In addition to performing search and seizure operations and counter-insurgency manoeuvres, these craft can be used for inducting and de-inducting commandos or special forces.

The vessel is propelled by two MTU engines. In addition, its hull, made entirely of aluminium, enables the craft to achieve its maximum sustained speed of 45 knots per hour in fair weather.

The chairman and managing director of Goa Shipyard, Rear Admiral (Retired) B R Menon, told reporters here that the vessel can be fitted with surface-to- air missles when required.

The Goa Shipyard Limited is now negotiating with countries like Nigeria and Mauritius for export of the extra fast attack craft. Thecompany is also considering sub-contracting parts of its export orders due to capacity counstraints in its own yard.