NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy has bolstered its operational efficiency with the induction of the seventh Missile Cum Ammunition Barge (MCA) LSAM 14 (Yard 82). The induction ceremony took place on 7th January 2025 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, with Cmde Gaurav Doogar, GM (HR), ND (Mbi), presiding as the Chief Guest.
In February 2021, the Indian Navy signed a contract with MSME shipyard M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt. Ltd., Visakhapatnam, for the construction and delivery of eight MCA Barges. These vessels are indigenously designed in collaboration with an Indian ship designing firm and have undergone successful model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam to ensure seaworthiness.
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Built in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) regulations, the MCA Barges exemplify the Government of Indiaโs Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, highlighting the Indian Navyโs commitment to supporting MSMEs.
The MCA Barges play a pivotal role in enhancing the Indian Navyโs operational capabilities by facilitating the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to Navy platforms. They are deployed both alongside jetties and at outer harbors, thereby strengthening the Navyโs logistical operations.
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The induction of LSAM 14 further augments the Navyโs readiness and effectiveness in fulfilling its maritime responsibilities.
The successful induction of LSAM 14 underscores the Indian Navyโs ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet with indigenously developed assets. The remaining MCA Barges are expected to be inducted in the near future, further enhancing the Navyโs operational capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to self-reliance in defense technology.
