On November 14, 2024, the keel laying ceremony for the first fleet support ship for the Indian Navy was conducted at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) building dock at Visakhapatnam. Indian Navy had entered into an agreement with HSL to acquire five fleet support ships in August 2023. Reportedly, the vessels are expected to be delivered starting from mid-2027. The fleet support ships will enhance the Indian Navy’s blue water capabilities.
With displacements of over 40,000 tonnes, these vessels will aid in replenishing naval ships at sea with water, fuel, ammunition, and stores, preventing the need for naval ships to return to ports or harbours and thereby increasing their operational reach and mobility. Additionally, it will also undertake humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, if required.