The Indian Navy marked another milestone in its ongoing efforts toward self-reliance with the launch of the tenth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 24 (Yard 134), on March 26, 2025. The ceremony took place at M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd in Thane, with Cmde Rahul Jagat, SPS, from the Submarine Overseeing Team (SOT), Mumbai, as the chief guest.
This launch is part of a larger contract signed on March 5, 2021, between the Ministry of Defence and the MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, for the construction of eleven such barges. Designed and built entirely in India, these vessels stand as a testament to the nation’s growing shipbuilding capabilities. The design process was undertaken in collaboration with an Indian ship design firm and certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), with model testing conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam to ensure their seaworthiness.
So far, nine of the eleven barges have been successfully delivered and are actively supporting the Indian Navy’s operational needs. These vessels play a crucial role in naval logistics, enabling the efficient transport of ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles to frontline warships, thereby strengthening India’s maritime preparedness.
Beyond their strategic importance, these barges symbolize India’s commitment to the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. By fostering indigenous design and manufacturing capabilities, the project not only enhances national security but also boosts the domestic shipbuilding industry. With each successful launch, the Indian Navy moves closer to greater self-sufficiency, reinforcing its position as a formidable force in the region.
