Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched FSS-1, the first of five Fleet Support Ships being built for the Indian Navy. Later in the day, he laid the keel of the fifth, FSS-5, and opened the yard’s upgraded Slipway-4 and a new 300-tonne Goliath Crane. The slipway can now build and launch ships of up to 45,000 deadweight tonnes.
“The launch of FSS-1 and keel laying of FSS-5 show Aatmanirbharta taking shape in steel, extending our Navy’s reach across the Indian Ocean.
“With the upgraded Slipway and 300-tonne Goliath Crane, HSL is ready to build larger, more complex ships,” he said. “The maiden visit of Hon’ble Raksha Mantri is a moment of immense pride and inspiration for every member of HSL,” Raghuram said.
“With enhanced infrastructure and our flagship Fleet Support Ship programme in full stride, HSL stands ready to deliver next-generation ships for the nation and for the world.
“Today’s milestones reflect the dedication of our employees, the trust of the Indian Navy and the support of our business partners,” he said. “Two warships commissioned, a record year and now three milestones in a single day,” Raghuram earlier said. “HSL is scaling up to meet the nation’s needs, and October 6 marks our next leap forward.”
