Marking another significant milestone in India’s pursuit of naval selfreliance, the Indian Navy inducted its eleventh Ammunition-CumTorpedo-Cum-Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 25 (Yard 135), in a ceremony held on 17 October 2025 at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The induction event was graced by Commodore Sumeet Vishnu Shidore, General Manager (Refit), Naval Dockyard (Mumbai), who served as the Chief Guest.
A Testament to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Indigenous Excellence
The ACTCM Barge project is a shining example of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the maritime sector. The contract for eleven ACTCM barges was signed on 5 March 2021 with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd., a Thane-based MSME shipyard. This collaboration underscores the growing capabilities of Indian small and medium enterprises in defense manufacturing and shipbuilding.
Designed indigenously in partnership with an Indian Ship Design firm, these barges underwent rigorous model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, to ensure their seaworthiness and performance in diverse maritime conditions. Built in compliance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Naval design regulations, the barges stand as a symbol of India’s growing self-sufficiency in defense technology.
Enhancing the Navy’s Operational Efficiency
The induction of LSAM 25 completes the series of eleven ACTCM Barges, all of which have been successfully delivered to the Indian Navy. These specialized barges play a crucial role in transporting, embarking, and disembarking ammunition, torpedoes, missiles, and other essential materials to naval ships, both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.
By strengthening the Navy’s logistics and replenishment capabilities, the ACTCM Barges enable faster turnaround times for warships, ensuring greater operational readiness and sustained maritime presence across strategic waters.
Strengthening MSME Participation in Defence Manufacturing
The successful completion and delivery of the eleventh ACTCM Barge highlight the vital contribution of MSMEs in advancing India’s naval infrastructure. Encouraged by the Navy’s trust and continued collaboration, Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd. has also secured a new contract for the construction of four Sullage Barges for the Indian Navy. This ongoing partnership reinforces the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous shipbuilding and enhancing the participation of smaller domestic players in defense production.
A Strategic Step Toward Maritime Self-Reliance
The induction of LSAM 25 not only strengthens the Indian Navy’s logistic chain but also aligns with India’s broader vision of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Each ACTCM Barge delivered under this program represents a stride forward in reducing dependence on foreign technology, while simultaneously boosting indigenous design, innovation, and employment generation in the maritime sector.
Conclusion
With the commissioning of the eleventh ACTCM Barge, LSAM 25, the Indian Navy continues to fortify its logistic backbone—an essential element for modern maritime warfare and peacetime operations alike. This achievement is more than just a fleet enhancement; it’s a symbol of India’s growing industrial capability, strategic foresight, and unwavering resolve to build a self-reliant defense ecosystem. The successful collaboration between the Navy and an MSME shipyard serves as a model of innovation, partnership, and patriotism, paving the way for future indigenous maritime advancements under the visionary banner of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.