Boost for India’s Self-Reliance: New Navy Barge Launched in Thane
In a big win for India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns, the Indian Navy just launched its 11th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge. Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi led the exciting ceremony in Thane, Maharashtra, giving a strong push to homegrown defense manufacturing.
This ACTCM Barge got its start right here in India, designed and built by a local Thane shipyard teaming up with an Indian ship design firm and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The launch happened on Monday at Suryadipta Projects in Thane, with Rear Admiral Bishnoi as the chief guest. It’s all part of a 2021 contract to build 11 such barges for the Indian Navy, signed back on March 5.
Before hitting the water, the barge’s model underwent thorough testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam to ensure it’s seaworthy and ready for action. So far, the shipyard has delivered 10 out of the 11 barges, and the Navy is already using them smoothly for various operations. These multi-purpose vessels help transport and handle ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles safely, boosting the Navy’s logistics game.
Warships Get a Tech Upgrade with Lightweight Composite Doors
Meanwhile, Indian Navy warships under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata could soon feature advanced composite doors and hatches. On September 3, GRSE inked a key teaming agreement with Merlinhawk Aerospace to design, develop, and produce these innovative components. The goal? To support the Navy’s push for modernization and self-reliant shipbuilding.
Why are composite doors and hatches such a game-changer for Indian Navy ships? They’re super lightweight, which cuts down the overall weight of the vessel and boosts its speed and endurance on long missions. Plus, these materials stand strong against moisture, salt, and corrosion—common headaches in salty seawater environments. That means less wear and tear, lower maintenance costs, and fewer replacements over time.
But there’s more: composite doors provide top-notch thermal and acoustic insulation, helping ships stay energy-efficient and quiet during stealthy operations. Crew members will appreciate the sound-proof setup, and you can even add fire-retardant features to meet strict safety standards. This collaboration highlights how Indian defense firms are innovating to make our warships tougher, smarter, and more cost-effective.
With these developments, India’s push for indigenous defense tech is gaining real momentum, creating jobs and strengthening national security. Stay tuned for more updates on Make in India initiatives!
