Synopsis
The keel laying ceremony for the second Fleet Support Ship of the Indian Navy was held at Kattupalli. Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan led the event, highlighting the significance of public-private partnerships in enhancing India's shipbuilding capabilities.Key Takeaways
- Keel laying ceremony for the second FSS held.
- Contract signed for five FSS with delivery starting mid-2027.
- Public-private partnerships showcased through HSL and L&T collaboration.
- Indigenous design promotes 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
- Ships equipped for HADR operations.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) The keel laying ceremony for the second of the five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) of the Indian Navy took place at Kattupalli, attended by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, an official reported on Thursday.
The Indian Navy had entered into a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) for the procurement of five FSS in August 2023, with deliveries set to begin in mid-2027.
Demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships, HSL has subcontracted the construction of two FSS to L&T Shipyard located in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu, to efficiently leverage the nation's shipbuilding capabilities and adhere to strict delivery timelines.
With a fully indigenous design and the majority of equipment sourced from local manufacturers, this initiative will enhance the Indian shipbuilding industry, aligning with the government’s initiatives of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', 'Make in India', and 'Make for the World'.
Previously, the Steel Cutting ceremony for the third FSS was conducted at Kattupalli on February 20, attended by Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Commanding of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy, HSL, and L&T.
The Indian Navy signed a contract with HSL for the acquisition of five FSS in August 2023, with deliveries anticipated to commence in mid-2027.
Highlighting the importance of Public-Private Partnership, HSL has allocated parts of the construction of two FSS to efficiently utilize the country's shipbuilding capacity and meet tight deadlines for delivery.
In addition to their primary functions, these ships are designed to support Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, facilitating personnel evacuations and the swift delivery of relief supplies during natural disasters.
As part of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', 'Make in India', and 'Make for the World' initiatives, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract on February 8 with Bharat Electronics Limited for the procurement of 28 EON-51 systems for 11 New Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and three Cadet Training Ships for the Indian Navy, totaling Rs 642.17 crore.
The EON-51 is an Electro Optical Fire Control System that enables the search, detection, and classification of targets using Electro Optical and Thermal Imagers.
This project is expected to create job opportunities over three years and stimulate active participation from various Indian industries, including MSMEs.
