‘Steel Cutting’ ceremony of second of the five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) was held at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli on 11 Dec 24, in presence of RAdm Vishal Bishnoi, Assistant Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition and senior officials from Indian Navy, HSL 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 part 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 Fleet ships at sea. These ships, with a displacement of 40,000 tons will carry fuel, water, ammunition and stores enabling prolonged operations without returning to harbour, thus enhancing the Fleet’s extended reach and mobility. In their secondary role, these ships would 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 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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VM/SKS                                                                                                     260/24

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