Rajnath Singh to launch Navy fleet support ship, inaugurate upgraded facilities at Hindustan Shipyard
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to launch the Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1), lay the keel for FSS-5 and inaugurate an upgraded Slipway-4 along with a 300-tonne Goliath Crane at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.
The events highlight India's growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, according to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release issued on Monday.
The upgraded Slipway-4 has been extended and strengthened to increase its load-bearing capacity. Along with the newly installed Goliath crane, the facility will allow the shipyard to construct and launch vessels weighing up to 45,000 DWT.
The expansion is expected to significantly enhance the shipyard's ability to undertake the construction of larger and more complex platforms, the release said.
FSS-1, meanwhile, is the first of five fleet-support ships being constructed for the Indian Navy. According to the PIB, the vessel is expected to enter the Bay of Bengal just 18 months after the steel-cutting ceremony.
The 43,500-tonne ships are designed to replenish warships while they are at sea, thereby increasing the Navy's endurance and operational reach across the Indian Ocean Region.
"The keel laying of FSS-5 will mark the programme's steady march towards series production," the release said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar are expected to be present at the events.
Before Tuesday's programme, Singh attended a Barakhana hosted by the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on Monday evening, where he interacted with Indian Navy personnel and their families.
The Defence Ministry said Singh praised the naval personnel for their consistent efforts to protect the country's maritime interests. He also acknowledged the contribution and sacrifices made by their families, whose support allows the personnel to perform their duties with dedication and commitment.
Singh highlighted the Indian Navy's emergence as a strong maritime force and its demonstrated ability to respond decisively to challenges faced by the country.
He said the Navy's capabilities have earned recognition across the Indo-Pacific and praised its personnel for remaining committed under all weather and operational conditions while protecting India's maritime boundaries and keeping the national flag flying high.
Recalling the Navy's record of valour, Singh referred to its role in the 1971 war, particularly Operation Trident, during which Indian naval forces attacked Karachi harbour.
According to Singh, the operation showcased the Navy's ability not only to protect India's maritime frontiers but also to project power and carry out offensive operations against an adversary when necessary.
He also paid tribute to naval personnel whose courage and sacrifices, he said, continue to serve as an inspiration for generations. (with inputs from PTI)
