NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, JULY 17
The Keel Laying ceremony of the third Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for Indian Navy was held at the L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli here on Wednesday-July 9, 2025.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, and senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd HSL and L&T, a Defence release on Thursday said.
- The 40,000-ton vessels will enhance naval logistics and HADR capability. Delivery begins mid-2027 under a 2023 contract with HSL
- Showcasing the strength of public-private partnership, HSL has sub-contracted construction of two ships to M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli to effectively utilise the country’s shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent timelines for delivery
Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for acquisition of Five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) in August 2023, with the delivery schedule commencing mid-2027.
Showcasing the strength of public-private partnership, HSL has sub-contracted construction of two ships to M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli to effectively utilise the country’s shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent timelines for delivery.
“On induction, the FSS will bolster the ‘Blue Water’ capabilities of the Indian Navy through replenishment of Fleet ships at sea. These ships, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons will carry fuel, water, ammunition and stores that enable prolonged and sustained operations of the fleet at sea, thus enhancing its reach and mobility,” the statement said.
“In their secondary role, the ships will be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations for evacuation of personnel and expeditious delivery of relief material during natural calamities,” the statement added..
The indigenously designed and built warship will have key equipment sourced through Indian OEMs.
This prestigious 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 .
