Defence Ministry Terminates Arrangement With Turkish Firms For Fleet Support Ship Project: Here's Why

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and reducing dependency on foreign entities, the Defence Ministry's Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has terminated all arrangements with Turkish firms for the design and development of five fleet support ships.

The steel-cutting ceremony for the first ship of the project took place on Wednesday, 10 April in Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Armane, reported ANI.

This step marks the commencement of a crucial project cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a contract value of approximately Rs 22,000 crore for constructing five large-sized naval vessels.

Defence officials revealed that HSL had initially engaged a Turkish firm for design consultancy.

However, this arrangement was scrapped before the contract received approval from the CCS.

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The decision to eliminate the Turkish firm from the project comes against the backdrop of Turkey's anti-India positions, particularly concerning the issue of Kashmir in global forums.

HSL is now proceeding with the design work independently, with assistance from a Kochi-based firm for design consultancy.

Signed in August 2023, the contract with HSL entails the delivery of five Fleet Support Ships to the Indian Navy, starting from mid-2027.

These ships, with a displacement of over 40,000 tonnes, will play a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Navy's 'Blue Water' capabilities by facilitating replenishment of fleet ships at sea.

In addition to fuel, water, ammunition, and stores, the Fleet Support Ships will also be equipped for humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.

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