New Delhi (Agency): In a significant move towards achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence, on August 25, 2023, signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, for the acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy. The contract, worth approximately Rs 19,000 crore, is part of the Indian government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative and comes after the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the acquisition on August 16, 2023.
The Fleet Support Ships will play a crucial role in replenishing ships at sea with essentials such as fuel, water, ammunition, and stores. This will enable the Indian Naval Fleet to operate for extended periods without returning to harbor, thus enhancing the strategic reach and mobility of the Fleet. The induction of these ships will notably boost the blue water capability of the Indian Navy, allowing for more flexible and far-reaching naval operations.
Furthermore, the ships can be utilized for evacuation, human assistance, and disaster relief (HADR) operations, expanding their functionality and potential impact.
With a capacity of 44,000 Tons, the Fleet Support Ships will be the first of their kind to be built in India by an Indian Shipyard. The construction is expected to generate employment of nearly 168.8 lakh mandays over a period of eight years. This project will not only provide a new dimension to the Indian shipbuilding industry but also encourage the active participation of associated industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
One of the significant aspects of this project is the sourcing of the majority of the equipment and systems from indigenous manufacturers. This aligns perfectly with the ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the Government and showcases a proud commitment to domestic manufacturing and self-reliance in the defence sector.
