Launch of Second ACTCM Barge, Yard 126 (LSAM 16) Marks Another Milestone in “Make in India” Initiative
Thane, July 19, 2023: The Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, Yard 126 (LSAM 16), was successfully launched at M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane. The ceremony was presided over by Cmde Sunil Kaushik, Warship Production Superintendent (Mumbai), and the event proudly showcased the indigenous manufacturing capabilities, reaffirming India’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative of the Ministry of Defence.
This significant milestone is part of a contract for constructing 11 ACTCM Barges, which were awarded to M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) company, in line with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiatives of the Government of India. The Barge is built to have a service life of 30 years and is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in the shipbuilding industry.
The availability of ACTCM Barges will play a crucial role in supporting the operational commitments of the Indian Navy. They will facilitate the seamless transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbors, enhancing the Navy’s efficiency and effectiveness.
The launch and delivery of two Ammunition Barges to the Indian Navy within the past two months (June and July 2023) by two MSME Shipyards – M/s SECON and M/s Suryadipta, situated on the east and west coast of the country, exemplify the Indian Navy’s commitment to support the MSME industry and bolster the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India. This progress marks another step towards India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing and strengthening its indigenous capabilities in the maritime sector.