The Keel of the fourth Survey Vessel (Large) and the second & third shipwreck of the ASW SWC of the Indian Navy were inaugurated on 17 Jun 2022 by VA-dm SN Ghormade, Deputy Marine Chief of Marine M / s L&T, Kattupalli present of RA-dm GK Harish, DGND (SSG), RAdm Sandeep S Sandhu, ACWP & A, Cmde PR Hari (Retd), CMD, GRSE, Cmde Ashok Khetan (Retd), Head L&T shipbuilding, Directors, and other top Indian Navy officials, GRSE and L&T.
A contract to build four SVLs and eight ASW SWCs for the Indian Army was awarded to the M / s GRSE as part of the traditional naval construction program on Oct. 18 and April 22 respectively. As part of the courtyard construction strategy, GRSE has a sub-contract for the construction of three SVL vessels and four ASW SWC vessels to M / s L&T, Kattupalli.Keel Laying is a landmark activity in the construction of ships, marking the official launch of the naval voyage into the port.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest thanked for the efforts made by both GRSE & L&T Shipyards in achieving this historic event despite the many waves of COVID-19 and related restrictions. He noted that the Keel co-ordination of three warships in a single day is a milestone and a testament to the power of traditional production and the ability to accelerate the construction of warships in the country. He commended the dedication, dedication and professionalism shown by the staff of GRSE and L&T in accomplishing this important milestone. VCNS also highlighted that the construction of these vessels is a major incentive for the commitment of AatmaNirbhar Bharat and India’s Make in India as more than 80% of non-native materials and systems. The Chief Guest highlighted 39 of the 41 warships under the order of the Indian Navy today built traditionally.
These figures themselves are a reflection of the real AatmaNirbharBharata and the steps taken by all the participants in the understanding of Make in India. He also commended the GRSE & L&T cooperation approach and decided that this model of Private Partnership between GRSE & L&T would be the precursor to more successful cooperation between Indian Shipyards to build warships in India.
Survey Vessel Large (SVL) vessels are capable of conducting a full-scale coastal survey, Deep-water Hydrographic survey and determining lanes / routes. In addition, these forums collect Oceanographic and Geophysical data for Defense applications. Advanced state-of-the-art equipment such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remote Vehicle (ROV), Single / Multi Beam Echo Sounders and Data Acquisition and Processing System (DAPS) are installed on SVL vessels to increase maritime research capacity.VCNS during the event highlighted that the ASW SWC platforms would enhance the ASW Navy’s capabilities and serve as a barrier against underwater threats. Equipped with torpedoes, rockets, state-of-the-art Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) and Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS), ASW SWC ships will greatly enhance the Indian Navy ASW’s capabilities.
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