Indian Navy launched its 10th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, named LSAM 24 (Yard 134), in Maharashtra. The launch is part of an 11-barge contract awarded to MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane.
This milestone reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
Key Highlights
Indigenously Designed & Built
- The ACTCM barges have been designed by an Indian Ship Design firm and constructed in collaboration with Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
- Model testing was conducted at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, ensuring their seaworthiness and operational effectiveness.
Strengthening Indian Navy’s Capabilities
- Nine ACTCM barges have already been delivered and are being effectively utilized for naval operations.
- The launch of LSAM 24 marks another step toward enhancing India’s maritime strength.
Part of a Larger Project
The project includes 19 ammunition barges being built under separate contracts:
- M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd (Thane, Maharashtra): 11 ACTCM Barges.
- SECON Engineering Projects Pvt. Ltd. (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh): 8 Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barges.
Deployment Locations
The barges will be stationed at:
- INS Tunir, Naval Missile Depot (Mumbai)
- Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD), Karanja at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai (ND Mbi)
About IRS-Class ACTCM Barges
Primary Role
- Designed to transport, embark, and disembark ammunition, torpedoes, missiles, and other naval equipment.
- Enhances operational readiness of the Indian Navy by supporting logistics at jetties and outer harbors.
Manufacturing & Indigenous Components
- All major and auxiliary equipment used in these barges are sourced from Indian manufacturers.
- Expected service life of 30 years.
Strategic Importance
- Boosts maritime logistics and enhances India’s naval preparedness.
- Supports modernization efforts of the Indian Navy.