UK Ministry of Defence Sends Ships to L&T Shipyard for Repairs

RFA ships at the L&T Shipbuilding’s Kattupalli Shipyard. (Image: L&T)

In a significant move highlighting the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and India, Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay have arrived at L&T Shipbuilding’s Kattupalli Shipyard for maintenance. This marks an important step in the ongoing partnership between the two countries in the maritime sector.

The decision to choose L&T Shipbuilding underscores the company’s growing reputation in shipbuilding and repairs. With its advanced facilities and skilled workforce, L&T Shipyard is well-equipped to handle the maintenance needs of modern naval vessels.

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Oliver Ballhatchet MBE, Deputy British High Commissioner, noted that this is the first time Royal Navy ships are undergoing scheduled maintenance in India, signalling progress towards the India-UK 2030 Roadmap and addressing shared security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.

JD Patil, from L&T’s leadership, highlighted the successful collaboration between Royal Navy and L&T Shipbuilding as a testament to partnership spirit and the logistics-sharing agreement signed between the UK and India in 2022. AT Ramchandani, Executive Vice President & Head of L&T Defence, stressed that the visit of Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships demonstrates global recognition of L&T’s capabilities in shipbuilding and refits.

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RFA Lyme Bay serves as a Landing Ship Dock, while RFA Argus is a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship and Aviation Support Vessel for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.