The Defence Ministry on Friday (August 25) signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL), Visakhapatnam, for the acquisition of five fleet support ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy at an approximate cost of ₹19,000 crore. The ships in the 44,000-tonnes category will be the first of their kind to be built in India by an Indian shipyard.
“It would be a major boost towards achieving the goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing as these ships will be indigenously designed and constructed by HSL, Visakhapatnam,” the Ministry said in a statement. The Cabinet Committee on Security had approved the acquisition on August 16.
The fleet support ships would 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 Ministry said. They can also be deployed for evacuation of people and human assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
