The ‘Keel Laying’ ceremony of the third Fleet Support Ships for the Indian Navy was held at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli near Chennai on Wednesday. Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition and senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd HSL and L&T were present during the occasion.
Showcasing the strength of public-private partnership, HSL has sub-contracted the construction to L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, to effectively utilise the country’s shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent timelines for delivery. The fleet support ships will bolster the ‘Blue Water’ capabilities of the Indian Navy through replenishment of Fleet ships at sea. They can carry fuel, water, ammunition and stores that enable prolonged and sustained operations of the fleet at sea.
In their secondary role, the ships will be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operations for the evacuation of personnel and expeditious delivery of relief material during natural calamities.
Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for the acquisition of Five Fleet Support Ships in Aug 2023, with the delivery schedule commencing mid-2027.
The project will significantly boost the Indian Shipbuilding Industry and is a true champion of Government of India initiatives such as _Aatmanirbhar Bharat_, Make in India and Make for the World.
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