On April 10, 2024, the steel cutting ceremony of first of the five fleet support ships (FSS) held at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam. The HSL signed a contract for acquisition of five fleet support ships in August 2023 and the ships are scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Navy, commencing mid-2027.
With more than 40,000 tonnes displacement, the ships will carry and deliver fuel, water, ammunition and stores enabling prolonged operations without returning to harbour, thus enhancing the fleet’s strategic reach and mobility.