Defence Minister launches Fleet Support Ship-1 at Hindustan Shipyard in Vizag

India's Defence Minister launched Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. The vessel is designed to provide logistics and maintenance support to naval fleets across oceanic regions.

The shipyard's upgraded Slipway-4 now features extended length and enhanced load-bearing capacity, supported by a goliath crane. These improvements enable HSL to construct and launch vessels up to 45,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT), significantly expanding its operational capabilities.

The launch marks a milestone in India's indigenous shipbuilding programme and reflects the government's push to strengthen domestic naval infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign maritime platforms.