Indian Navy Enhances Fleet: 6th Ammunition, Torpedo, and Missile Barge Launched

GG News Bureau
Visakhapatnam, 30th April. The Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the launch of the 6th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130), on April 29, 2024. Constructed by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, the barge launch ceremony was held at M/s Suryadipta Project Pvt. Ltd. launch site.

The launch event was graced by Shri Madhusudan Bhui, INAS, GM NAD (Karanja), who presided over the ceremony.

This launch is part of the larger project involving the construction of 11 such barge units. The contract for building these barges was signed between the Ministry of Defence and M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, on March 5, 2021.

The introduction of these ammunition cum torpedo cum missile barges is poised to bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy significantly. They will facilitate the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to Indian Navy ships, both at jetties and outer harbors, thereby enhancing the Navy’s logistical support infrastructure.

Built in adherence to the relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping, these barges represent a proud achievement of indigenous design and manufacturing. The design stage involved rigorous model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam.

The development and construction of these barges underscore the Indian government’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing the nation’s capacity for self-reliance and innovation in naval technology and manufacturing.