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.
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.
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.