On December 11, 2024, the steel cutting ceremony for the second of the five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) ordered by the Indian Navy took place at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. The ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, Assistant Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, alongside senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), and L&T.
The Indian Navy signed a contract with HSL in August 2023 to acquire five Fleet Support Ships, with deliveries set to begin in mid-2027. This strategic collaboration between public and private sectors highlights the strength of India’s shipbuilding capabilities. HSL has contracted part of the construction work for two of the five FSS to L&T Shipyard to optimize national shipbuilding resources and ensure adherence to stringent timelines. The Fleet Support Ships will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities by providing at-sea replenishment of fleet ships. With a displacement of 40,000 tons, these vessels will be equipped to carry essential supplies such as fuel, water, ammunition, and other stores, enabling the fleet to operate for extended periods without needing to return to port. This enhances the Navy’s reach and mobility, critical for strategic operations across vast maritime domains.
In addition to their primary role, the ships will also be capable of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Their design will include provisions for evacuating personnel and delivering relief materials efficiently during natural disasters, adding a versatile humanitarian dimension to their function. Fully designed and constructed with indigenous technology, this project aligns with the Indian Government’s initiatives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), Make in India, and Make for the World. It will provide a significant boost to the Indian shipbuilding industry, fostering self-sufficiency in naval capabilities and contributing to the country’s maritime security.
