**Summary:**
On July 9, 2025, the keel-laying ceremony for the third Fleet Support Ship (FSS) took place at Ms LT Shipyard, Kattupalli. The event was attended by VAdm Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production Acquisition, and senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), and Ms LT. This event marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's acquisition of five FSS, contracted with HSL in August 2023, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-2027. To meet delivery timelines and leverage national shipbuilding capacity, HSL has subcontracted the construction of two ships to Ms LT Shipyard.
These FSS, displacing over 40,000 tons, are designed to enhance the Indian Navy's blue water capabilities by providing replenishment of fuel, water, ammunition, and stores to fleet ships at sea, enabling prolonged and sustained operations. The ships will also support Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, including personnel evacuation and rapid delivery of relief materials during natural disasters.
The indigenously designed and built warships feature equipment sourced from Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), promoting the Indian shipbuilding industry and aligning with the Government of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Make for the World initiatives. Release ID: 2143499.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Navy: The naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces, recipient of the Fleet Support Ships.
Fleet Support Ships (FSS): A class of naval auxiliary ships designed to replenish warships at sea.
Ms LT Shipyard, Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu: The shipyard where the keel laying ceremony of the third Fleet Support Ship was held and is constructing two of the ships.
VAdm Rajaram Swaminathan: Controller Warship Production Acquisition, present at the keel laying ceremony.
HSL: Hindustan Shipyard Limited, the company contracted by the Indian Navy to build five Fleet Support Ships.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A Government of India initiative for self-reliance.
Make in India: A Government of India initiative to encourage domestic manufacturing.
Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR): A secondary role of the Fleet Support Ships, involving evacuation and delivery of relief material during natural calamities.
Ministry of Defence
KEEL LAYING OF THIRD FLEET SUPPORT SHIP
FOR INDIAN NAVY
Posted On: 09 JUL 2025 7:35PM by PIB Delhi
‘Keel Laying’ ceremony of third Fleet Support Ships (FSS) was held at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli on
09 Jul 25, in the presence of VAdm Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition and
senior officials from the Indian Navy, HSL and M/s L&T.
Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for acquisition of Five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) in Aug 2023,
with deliveries commencing mid-2027.
Showcasing the strength of public-private partnership, HSL has sub-contracted construction of two ships to
M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli to effectively utilise the country’s shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent
timelines for delivery.
On induction, the FSS will bolster the ‘Blue Water’ capabilities of the Indian Navy through replenishment of
Fleet ships at sea. These ships, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons will carry fuel, water,
ammunition and stores that enable prolonged and sustained operations of the fleet at sea, thus enhancing its
reach and mobility.
In their secondary role, the ships will be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR)
operations for evacuation of personnel and expeditious delivery of relief material during natural calamities.
The indigenously designed and built warship is equipped with equipment sourced through Indian OEMs.
This prestigious project will significantly boost the Indian Shipbuilding Industry and is a true champion of
GoI initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Make for the World._____________________________________________________________
VM/SKY 133/25
(Release ID: 2143499)