On November 30th, 2023, a momentous event unfolded as the Indian Navy welcomed the Third Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 17 (Yard 127), into its fleet. This significant delivery, witnessed by Shri Shankar Mukharjee, INAS, AGM NAD (Karanja), marked a remarkable milestone in indigenous maritime capability. Proudly boasting major and auxiliary equipment sourced entirely from domestic manufacturers, the barge stands as a testament to the “Make in India” initiative championed by the Ministry of Defence.
Crafted under the visionary goals of the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, the construction and delivery of the ACTCM Barge align with the Government of India’s commitment to self-reliance. M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, an MSME based in Thane, secured the contract for the construction and delivery of 11 Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barges. This MSME shipyard has already successfully delivered two such barges, solidifying its position as a pivotal contributor to India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
Crucially, these indigenous marvels are constructed under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring stringent compliance with maritime safety and quality standards. The addition of these ACTCM Barges significantly bolsters the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. These vessels play a pivotal role in facilitating the embarkation and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to IN Ships, both alongside jetties and at outer harbors. This functionality provides a substantial impetus to the Navy’s operational commitments, streamlining critical logistical operations and enhancing operational readiness.
The deployment of such technologically advanced and domestically manufactured vessels underscores India’s strides in becoming self-reliant in defense production. The ACTCM Barge LSAM 17 symbolizes not only indigenous technological prowess but also signifies a robust commitment to fortify the nation’s maritime capabilities, enabling the Indian Navy to operate with enhanced efficiency and agility.