NEW DELHI: The defence ministry has signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, to acquire five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy at a total cost of approximately Rs 19,000 crore. These FSS ships will be designed and constructed indigenously by HSL, Visakhapatnam. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved this acquisition during its meeting on August 16.
The primary role of the FSS ships will be to replenish other naval vessels at sea with fuel, water, ammunition, and stores, allowing the Indian Naval Fleet to operate for extended periods without returning to harbour. This acquisition will enhance the strategic reach and mobility of the fleet and significantly boost the Indian Navy's blue-water capability. Additionally, these ships can be deployed for evacuation and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
These Fleet Support Ships, weighing 44,000 tons each, represent the first-of-its-kind construction in India by an Indian Shipyard. This project is expected to generate employment opportunities, equivalent to nearly 168.8 lakh mandays, over eight years. The construction of these ships will not only boost the Indian shipbuilding industry but also encourage active participation from associated industries, including MSMEs. The defence ministry said that with the majority of equipment and systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these vessels will proudly represent 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and align with the 'Make in India' initiatives of the government.
