Indian Navy Inducts 11th ACTCM Barge, LSAM 25 (Yard 135), Boosting Operational Capabilities

In a significant milestone for India’s maritime defense infrastructure, the Indian Navy formally inducted the 11th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, designated LSAM 25 (Yard 135), on October 17, 2025. The induction ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, with Commodore Sumeet Vishnu Shidore, General Manager (Refit), Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, presiding as the Chief Guest.

The contract for the construction and delivery of 11 ACTCM Barges was awarded to M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, a Thane-based Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) shipyard, on March 5, 2021. This initiative underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering indigenous manufacturing and supporting local enterprises under the Government of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) programs. The barges were designed in collaboration with a reputed Indian ship design firm, ensuring that the entire process—from conceptualization to execution—remained firmly rooted in Indian expertise.

To ensure operational reliability and seaworthiness, the barge design underwent rigorous model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam. The barges comply with the stringent naval rules and regulations set by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring high standards of safety and performance. This achievement highlights the growing capabilities of India’s domestic defense manufacturing sector and its ability to deliver advanced maritime assets.

With the induction of LSAM 25, all 11 ACTCM Barges have now been successfully delivered to the Indian Navy. These barges are designed to enhance the Navy’s operational efficiency by facilitating the seamless transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of critical supplies, including ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles, to naval platforms. The barges are versatile, capable of supporting operations both alongside jetties and in outer harbors, thereby strengthening the Navy’s logistical backbone and operational readiness.

In addition to the ACTCM Barges, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd has been entrusted with a follow-on contract to construct four Sullage Barges for the Indian Navy. This further demonstrates the Navy’s trust in the capabilities of MSME shipyards and its dedication to nurturing small-scale industries within the defense ecosystem. The continued collaboration with MSMEs not only bolsters India’s self-reliance in defense production but also creates opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the private sector.

The induction of the ACTCM Barges marks a pivotal step in enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational commitments. By enabling efficient supply chain logistics, these barges ensure that naval platforms remain well-equipped to meet mission requirements, whether in peacetime operations or during critical deployments. This development reinforces India’s maritime strength and its pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the vision of a robust and independent defense ecosystem.