In a significant step towards bolstering its naval capabilities, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) in Visakhapatnam commenced the production of the first of five fleet support ships (FSS) ordered for the Bharatiya Navy. The ceremony, known as ‘steel cutting,’ signifies the initiation of construction for these vessels, aimed at enhancing the navy’s capacity to replenish warships at sea and extend their operational range for prolonged missions.
Last year, the Defence Ministry sealed a ₹19,000-crore contract with HSL for the construction of these FSS. With a displacement of 44,000 tonnes, these ships will play a vital role in refueling, restocking ammunition, water, and stores at sea, thereby amplifying the navy’s operational capabilities and strategic reach, as stated by the Defence Ministry.
The ‘steel cutting’ ceremony was graced by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, who emphasized the crucial role these ships will play in fortifying Bharat’s maritime prowess. Aramane also laid the foundation stone for the augmentation of slipways and assessed the ongoing modernization of infrastructure at the shipyard to enhance its capacity.
HSL aims to deliver the first vessel to the navy by mid-2027, followed by subsequent deliveries every 10 months thereafter. These vessels will boast dimensions of 225 meters in length and 32 meters in width. The project is anticipated to generate substantial employment opportunities, with an estimated 168.8 lakh man-days over eight years.
The initiative comes at a pivotal juncture as the Bharatiya Navy endeavors to achieve self-reliance by 2047, coinciding with India’s 100 years of independence. In recent years, Bharat has undertaken various measures to bolster its indigenous defence manufacturing sector, including phased import bans, dedicated budgets for procuring domestically manufactured military hardware, and relaxation of foreign direct investment (FDI) norms.
Last May, Bharat celebrated a significant milestone as the value of defence production in the country surpassed ₹1 lakh crore for the first time, attributed to key reforms aimed at stimulating growth in the sector. The turnover in defence manufacturing is projected to further escalate to ₹1,75,000 crore by 2024-25, underscoring Bharat’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities and fostering self-sufficiency in the sector.
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