Keel Laying ceremony of second of the five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) was held at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli on 12 Mar 25, in the presence of VAdm Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition and senior officials from Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Limited and M/s L&T. The Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) in Aug 2023, with delivery commencing mid-2027. Showcasing the strength of public-private partnership, HSL has contracted construction of two FSS to M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli to effectively utilise country’s shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent timelines for delivery.

On induction, the FSS will bolster the Blue Water capabilities of the Indian Navy through replenishment of the Fleet ships at sea. These ships, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons, will carry fuel, water, ammunition and stores enabling prolonged operations at sea, thus enhancing the Fleet’s reach and mobility. In their secondary role, the ships will be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations for evacuation of personnel and expeditious delivery of relief material during natural calamities.

With a completely indigenous design and sourcing of the majority of the equipment from indigenous manufacturers, this project will boost the Indian Shipbuilding Industry and is in consonance with GoI initiatives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Make for the World.

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