Indian Navy To Receive First Of Five Fleet Support Ships By Mid-2027

The Indian Navy is set to bolster its operational capabilities with the delivery of the first of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) by mid-2027.

The milestone was reaffirmed as the steel cutting ceremony for the third vessel in the series took place at Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard in Kattupalli on 20 February.

Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), and L&T, attended the event.

The Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for acquisition of Five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) in Aug 2023, with the delivery commencing mid-2027, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

To ensure timely completion, HSL has partnered with L&T for partial construction of two ships.

Upon induction, these 40,000-tonne displacement vessels will enhance the Navy’s blue water capabilities by facilitating at-sea replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and other supplies, extending the operational reach of the fleet.

Additionally, they will be equipped for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, enabling swift evacuation and relief efforts during crises.

With an entirely indigenous design and the majority of components sourced from domestic manufacturers, the FSS project aligns with Modi government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Make for the World initiatives, further strengthening the country’s naval infrastructure and shipbuilding industry, according to the Defence Ministry.

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