Ships will significantly enhance the blue water capability of the Indian Navy
Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs.19,000 crore contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, to acquire five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy, an order that would also boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing as well as indigenously designed vessels.
The contract was signed on 25 Aug 2023 with HSL, Visakhapatnam, the Ministry said.
The Cabinet Committee on Security had approved the acquisition of these ships during its meeting on 16 Aug 2023.
The FSS will be employed for replenishing ships at sea with fuel, water, ammunition and stores, enabling the Indian Naval Fleet to operate for prolonged periods without returning to harbour. These ships would enhance the strategic reach and mobility of the Fleet.
The induction of these ships will significantly enhance the blue water capability of the Indian Navy. The ships can also be deployed for evacuation of people and human assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
The Fleet Support Ships of 44,000 tons will be the first-of-its kind to be built in India by an Indian Shipyard. This project will generate employment of nearly 168.8 lakh mandays over a period of eight years.
The order will provide a new dimension to the Indian shipbuilding Industry and encourage active participation of associated industries, including MSMEs.
With majority of the equipment and systems being sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these vessels will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in consonance with the ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the Government, the Ministry said. fiinews.com
