Steel cut for Indian Navy’s third fleet support ship

A steel-cutting ceremony for the third in a series of five Indian Navy’s fleet support ships (FSS) was held at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, on February 20, 2025.

The Indian Navy had signed a contract with Hindustan Ship Yard Limited  (HSL) for the acquisition of five fleet support ships in August 2023.

Meanwhile, HSL has contracted part construction of two FSS to L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli to “effectively utilize the country’s shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent timelines for delivery”.

These new ships, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons, will carry fuel, water, ammunition and stores enabling prolonged operations without returning to the harbor, to enhance the fleet’s extended reach and mobility.

In their secondary role, these ships would be equipped for humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations for the evacuation of personnel and expeditious delivery of relief material during natural calamities.

The deliveries will start from mid-2027.