The Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone in its operational capabilities with the delivery of the ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 18’ on March 28, 2024, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
The barge, part of the 11x ACTCM Barge Project, was built by the MSME shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, located in Thane. The induction ceremony was presided over by Commodore Vikram Bora, ND(Mbi)/GM(Tech), marking a proud moment for the Indian Navy and the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding industry.
The contract for constructing 11 ACTCM Barges was signed between the Ministry of Defense and M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd on March 5, 2021. The induction of these barges will provide a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s operational commitments by facilitating the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to naval ships, both alongside jetties and at outer harbors.
Designed and built indigenously under relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping, these barges underwent model testing during the design stage at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam. They stand as proud flag bearers of the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India, showcasing the nation’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The delivery of the LSAM 18 barge marks a significant step towards enhancing the Indian Navy’s logistical capabilities and underscores the government’s commitment to promoting domestic industries in the defense sector. With these barges in service, the Indian Navy will be better equipped to meet its operational requirements and maintain a formidable presence in the region.
The successful collaboration between the Ministry of Defense, the Indian Navy, and the MSME shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, exemplifies the positive impact of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and highlights the growing prowess of the nation’s shipbuilding industry.
