Indian Navy Launches 11th ACTCM Barge-LSAM 25

Indian Navy Launches 11th ACTCM Barge-LSAM 25: Enhancing Coastal Defense and Logistics

In a major advancement for India’s maritime security and amphibious operational capabilities, the Indian Navy recently launched the 11th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, designated LSAM 25, at the prominent MSME shipyard M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd in Thane, Maharashtra. This milestone event on 9 September 2025 was marked by the presence of Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, ACWP&A, highlighting the vessel’s strategic importance in enhancing India’s coastal defense and logistical infrastructure.

What is the ACTCM Barge-LSAM 25?

The ACTCM Barge-LSAM 25 is the latest addition to a fleet of indigenously designed and built multi-role barges serving the Indian Navy. Part of the IRS-class ACTCM barges, these vessels are purpose-built for transporting ammunition, torpedoes, missiles, and various military supplies efficiently between shore and naval vessels. This barge boasts a cargo hold capacity of around 100 tonnes along with advanced features supporting firefighting, power generation, and crew accommodation, making it highly versatile for both operational and peacetime requirements.

Indigenous Design and Strategic Collaboration

The 11th ACTCM barge is a proud product of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, built by a skilled MSME shipyard in collaboration with Indian ship design firms and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Rigorous model testing to ensure seaworthiness was conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, conforming to strict naval regulations and operational standards.

Enhanced Operational and Logistical Capabilities

These ACTCM barges significantly boost the Indian Navy’s ability to execute amphibious operations, coastal patrols, and logistic support more effectively. Their enhanced payload capacity and specialized facilities enable swift loading and unloading of critical ammunition and equipment, ensuring quick turnaround times at naval jetties and outer harbors. This level of operational flexibility is vital for India’s growing maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

Strategic Importance of the Thane Launch

Thane’s role as a maritime industrial hub underscores the success of localized defense manufacturing and the empowerment of MSMEs in India’s naval modernization efforts. The contract for the eleven ACTCM barges was awarded in March 2021, with ten barges now delivered and actively integrated into Indian Navy operations. The launch of LSAM 25 not only completes the current delivery schedule but also symbolizes India’s capability to produce high-tech naval vessels domestically, reducing dependency on foreign imports.

Future Outlook and Expanded Naval Fleet

With a service life projected at 30 years, the LSAM 25 and its sister barges will be instrumental in sustaining India’s naval readiness for decades. Their multifaceted roles include transporting ammunition and missile systems safely, aiding humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, and contributing to joint naval exercises. The Indian Navy’s continuous focus on scaling up amphibious and logistic assets reflects the need to maintain dominance in coastal waters and support expeditionary operations.

The launch of the 11th ACTCM Barge-LSAM 25 in Thane is a testament to India’s commitment to indigenization and modernizing its naval defense apparatus. These barges, with their cutting-edge design and robust capabilities, fortify India’s maritime security posture and operational agility. As India continues to empower its MSME sector and push defense manufacturing forward, vessels like the LSAM 25 will serve as critical assets ensuring preparedness and strength in safeguarding the nation’s vast coastline.