In a major advancement for the Indian Navy's support capabilities, the keel-laying ceremony of the first of five planned Fleet Support Ships (FSS) took place today at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral B. Siva Kumar, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, with key officials from the Indian Navy and HSL, including HSL's Chairman and Managing Director, in attendance.
The Fleet Support Ships, set to enter service starting mid-2027, are part of a contract signed in August 2023 between the Indian Navy and HSL. These massive vessels, with displacements exceeding 40,000 tons, are designed to resupply naval fleets at sea, delivering essential provisions such as fuel, water, ammunition, and stores. This capability will enable the Navy to conduct extended operations without needing to return to port, significantly enhancing its reach and operational endurance on the open seas.
Key Role in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief
Apart from their core support functions, these ships will be capable of undertaking Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The vessels are designed to aid in the swift evacuation of personnel and deliver essential relief materials during emergencies, reflecting the Indian Navy’s commitment to both defence and humanitarian missions.
Boost to Indigenous Manufacturing
The project emphasizes indigenous design and manufacturing, with a majority of the ship’s equipment sourced from Indian suppliers. This aligns with the Government of India’s initiatives, including #AatmanirbharBharat, #MakeInIndia, and #MakeForTheWorld, and marks a significant push for self-reliance in the defence sector. The FSS project is set to boost the domestic shipbuilding industry, showcasing India’s evolving capability in high-end defence manufacturing.
As the first FSS takes shape, this milestone marks a substantial step toward strengthening the Indian Navy's maritime logistics and blue-water capabilities, enabling a more sustainable and far-reaching naval presence.(PR)