In a major stride towards enhancing India’s maritime logistics and strategic sea-based capabilities, the keel laying ceremony for the third Fleet Support Ship (FSS) of the Indian Navy was held on 9th July 2025 at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. The ceremony was graced by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), and L&T.
Public-Private Collaboration for Naval Indigenisation
The keel laying marks a key milestone in the execution of the five-ship FSS project, a strategic partnership signed between HSL and the Indian Navy in August 2023. To optimize India’s shipbuilding capacity and adhere to stringent delivery timelines, HSL has sub-contracted the construction of two ships to L&T Shipyard under the public-private partnership model.
This collaboration not only accelerates project execution but also showcases the effective utilisation of India’s defence industrial infrastructure for high-value maritime defence programs.
Boosting Blue Water Capabilities
Once inducted, the Fleet Support Ships—each with a displacement of over 40,000 tons—will significantly enhance the Blue Water operational range of the Indian Navy. Designed for at-sea replenishment, these ships will be capable of supplying:
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Fuel
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Water
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Ammunition
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Critical supplies
This will enable extended and sustained naval operations across vast maritime regions, thereby amplifying the Navy’s strategic reach, endurance, and mobility.
Dual Role: Combat Support and Humanitarian Response
Beyond their primary role as logistics enablers, the Fleet Support Ships are also configured to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. They are capable of:
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Evacuating personnel during emergencies
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Delivering relief materials swiftly in disaster-hit areas
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Providing onboard medical and logistic support
This dual-purpose capability aligns with the Indian Navy’s commitment to being a force for regional stability and humanitarian outreach in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
Indigenous Design and Industry Impact
The Fleet Support Ships are being indigenously designed and built using equipment sourced from Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This project is a clear reflection of the Government’s flagship initiatives:
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Aatmanirbhar Bharat
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Make in India
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Make for the World
The program is expected to provide a significant boost to the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem, generate skilled employment, and increase capacity utilization across public and private sectors.
Conclusion:
The keel laying of the third Fleet Support Ship reinforces India’s resolve to develop a self-reliant, modern, and agile naval force. It marks yet another milestone in the country’s maritime transformation journey, ensuring the Indian Navy remains prepared for future challenges while strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities for a secure and resilient India.
Source: PIB
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