A significant milestone for the Indian Navy has been achieved with the commencement of production for the second fleet support ship (FSS) during a recent steel cutting ceremony at the L&T yard in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu. This event marks the official beginning of the construction of five FSS ordered to enhance the navy’s replenishment capabilities at sea, a development announced on Thursday.
The initiative follows a substantial contract signed by the defense ministry worth ₹19,000 crore with Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) in August 2023. This move is anticipated to bolster the navy’s efficiency in increasing the range and endurance of its warships during missions.
This latest ceremony comes approximately eight months after the first FSS’s steel cutting was conducted at HSL in Visakhapatnam. As part of the contract, HSL has subcontracted part of the construction of two FSS to L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, leveraging India’s shipbuilding capacity and meeting strict delivery timelines.
Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, the navy’s assistant controller of warship production and acquisition, was present at the ceremony, which underscores the strength of the public-private partnership model being utilized in this venture.
The first vessel of the series is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by mid-2027, with subsequent vessels scheduled for delivery every ten months. Each FSS will measure 225 meters in length and 32 meters in width, featuring a displacement of 40,000 tonnes. The ships are designed to carry essential supplies such as fuel, water, ammunition, and other provisions, enabling extended operational capacity without the need for returning to port. The navy has emphasized that these vessels will significantly enhance its ‘blue water’ capabilities.
In addition to their primary purpose of replenishing naval fleet ships at sea, the FSS will also play a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, expanding the operational flexibility of the navy.
The project is expected to involve primarily indigenous design, with most equipment sourced from domestic manufacturers. This aligns with governmental initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Make for the World, aimed at boosting the Indian shipbuilding industry.
Currently, the Indian Navy operates four such vessels that were commissioned between 1996 and 2011 but has been seeking additional support ships to meet the increasing demands stemming from fleet expansion and new responsibilities in the Indian Ocean region. The ongoing project is forecasted to generate approximately 168.8 lakh man-days of employment over the next eight years, contributing to the Indian economy.
This initiative aligns with broader defense objectives, positioning the Indian Navy on a trajectory toward complete self-reliance by the year 2047, a significant milestone coinciding with the centenary of India’s independence.
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