Rajnath Singh launches 43,500-tonne FSS-1 and lays keel for FSS-5 at HSL
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Defence technology· Prelims·
Maritime infrastructure and shipbuilding: a GS3 case study on Aatmanirbharta and blue-water navy capabilities.
Why in news
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the 43,500-tonne FSS-1 and laid the keel for FSS-5 at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) to enhance Indian Navy's maritime reach.
Background
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) launched the FSS-1, a 43,500-tonne Fleet Support Ship designed to refuel and resupply warships at sea. The yard's production hit a record Rs 1,969 crore in 2025-26, supported by an upgraded Slipway-4 and a new 300-tonne Goliath Crane.
Facts for Prelims
- FactFSS-1 is a 43,500-tonne vessel designed for refueling and resupplying warships at sea.
- FactHSL's upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane can build and launch ships up to 45,000 deadweight tonnes.
- FactHSL recorded a production value of Rs 1,969 crore in 2025-26.
Prelims practice question
What is the maximum deadweight tonnage capacity of ships that can be built and launched at HSL's upgraded Slipway-4?
- (a)50,000 tonnes
- (b)45,000 tonnes
- (c)30,000 tonnes
- (d)60,000 tonnes
Show answer
Answer: (b) 45,000 tonnes — The upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane allow HSL to build and launch ships up to 45,000 deadweight tonnes.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the expansion of domestic shipbuilding infrastructure like HSL contributes to India's maritime security and the 'Aatmanirbharta' initiative in the Indian Ocean Region.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Strategic autonomy: Reducing reliance on foreign shipyards for complex fleet support vessels.
- Industrial scaling: Impact of infrastructure upgrades (Slipway-4, Goliath Crane) on high-tonnage ship construction.
- Maritime reach: Enhancing 'blue-water' capabilities by enabling longer endurance for warships.
Keywords: Aatmanirbharta · Maritime Security · Shipbuilding · Fleet Support Ships · Blue-water Navy
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