The Indian Navy received a significant boost with the launch of the Missile cum Ammunition Barge, 'LSAM-13' from Yard-81. This barge marks the fifth milestone under the project and is the result of a collaboration between MSME Shipyard and Visakhapatnam-based Second Engineering Projects Pvt. Ltd. Commodore Manish Vig, General Manager (QA) at ND (MBI), presided over the launching ceremony as stated by the Ministry of Defence.
LSAM-13 is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy by facilitating the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of essential goods and ammunition to Indian Naval ships at both jetties and outer ports. These barges, constructed using indigenous technology, adhere to the stringent naval regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The rigorous model testing conducted at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) Visakhapatnam ensured compliance with high standards of quality and safety.
These accomplishments highlight the Government of India's dedication to the Make in India initiative. Each barge serves as a testament to the country's indigenous expertise and innovation, furthering self-reliance in defence production. A contract for the construction of these barges was signed by the Ministry of Defence with M/s Secon Engineering Projects Pvt. Ltd. on February 19, 2021.