Keel laying ceremony held for 2nd Fleet Support Ship at L&T Shipyard

The Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL in August 2023 for the acquisition of five FSS, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin by mid-2027

Published on:

13 Mar 2025, 4:01 pm

New Delhi: The keel laying ceremony for the second of the five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) was held on Thursday at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. The event was attended by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

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The Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL in August 2023 for the acquisition of five FSS, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin by mid-2027. To optimize domestic shipbuilding capacity and ensure adherence to stringent delivery timelines, HSL has subcontracted the construction of two ships to L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, highlighting the strength of public-private collaboration in the defense sector.

Once inducted, these FSS will significantly enhance the Blue Water capabilities of the Indian Navy by replenishing fleet ships at sea. With a displacement of over 40,000 tons, the ships will carry essential supplies such as fuel, water, ammunition, and stores, enabling prolonged naval operations and enhancing fleet mobility. Additionally, the ships will be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, facilitating the evacuation of personnel and rapid deployment of relief materials in the event of natural disasters.

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Designed indigenously and incorporating equipment sourced largely from domestic manufacturers, the FSS project is a significant boost to India's shipbuilding industry. The initiative aligns with the Government of India's flagship programs, including Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Make for the World, reinforcing the country’s commitment to self-reliance and global competitiveness in defense manufacturing.

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