Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched FSS-1, the first of five Fleet Support Ships, built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam for the Indian Navy.  He also laid the keel of the fifth ship, FSS-5, and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a new 300-tonne Goliath Crane at the shipyard.

The 43,500-tonne Fleet Support Ships will provide fuel, water and other supplies to warships at sea. Their deployment will allow Indian Navy vessels to remain at sea for longer periods and operate farther across the Indian Ocean Region.

FSS-1 took 18 months to move from the first cut of steel to its launch into the Bay of Bengal. The project marks a major step in India's efforts to strengthen domestic warship construction and reduce dependence on foreign shipbuilding capabilities.

The upgraded Slipway-4 can now build and launch ships of up to 45,000 deadweight tonnes. The new Goliath Crane will further strengthen HSL's ability to handle larger and more complex shipbuilding programmes.

Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan attended the event along with other senior officials.

Singh described HSL as a pillar of India's maritime strength during his first visit to the shipyard. He highlighted the upgraded infrastructure and the Fleet Support Ship programme as key steps in strengthening India's naval capabilities.

"With the upgraded Slipway and 300-tonne Goliath Crane, HSL is ready to build larger, more complex ships," he said. "The launch of FSS-1 and keel laying of FSS-5 show Aatmanirbharta taking shape in steel, extending our Navy's reach across the Indian Ocean."

HSL Chairman and Managing Director Rear Admiral C Raghuram (Retd.) said the visit and the day's milestones were significant for the shipyard.

"The maiden visit of Hon'ble Raksha Mantri is a moment of immense pride and inspiration for every member of HSL," Raghuram said.

He credited HSL employees, the Indian Navy and its business partners for the progress made by the shipyard. "Today's milestones reflect the dedication of our employees, the trust of the Indian Navy and the support of our business partners," he said.

 "With enhanced infrastructure and our flagship Fleet Support Ship programme in full stride, HSL stands ready to deliver next-generation ships for the nation and for the world."

HSL also recorded strong financial and production growth in 2025-26. Its value of production reached Rs 1,969 crore, a 34 per cent increase and the highest in the shipyard's history. Total income rose 29 per cent to Rs 2,295 crore, while profit before tax stood at Rs 479.47 crore.

"Two warships commissioned, a record year and now three milestones in a single day," Raghuram earlier said. "HSL is scaling up to meet the nation's needs, and October 6 marks our next leap forward."

The upgraded facilities will support HSL as it takes on larger and more complex shipbuilding projects for the Indian Navy and other customers.