India Unveils 'Surya': Navy's First Indigenous Fleet Support Ship!
India Unveils 'Surya': Navy's First Indigenous Fleet Support Ship!
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh launches INS Surya in Visakhapatnam, a 43,500-tonne indigenous vessel bolstering India's naval power and maritime self-reliance. A major stride for 'Make in India' in defense!
In a significant leap for India's maritime capabilities and self-reliance, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially launched the Indian Navy’s first indigenously built Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), named 'Surya', in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The ceremony, held at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), also saw the keel-laying for the fifth vessel in the series, FSS-5, marking continued progress in naval indigenous development.
'Surya' is a formidable vessel, displacing approximately 43,500 tonnes, measuring 223.6 meters long, and boasting an impressive 82% indigenous content. Its primary mission is to refuel and resupply multiple warships at sea, ensuring they can maintain extended operations without needing to return to port.
This critical capability significantly enhances the Indian Navy's reach and endurance across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
The ship can carry 20,000 tonnes of low-sulphur high-speed diesel, 2,500 tonnes of aviation turbine fuel, 1,000 tonnes of fresh water, and 250 tonnes of feed water, along with provisions and spare parts in specialized containers.
Addressing the gathering, which included Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and other dignitaries, Minister Singh emphasized the importance of Indian shipyards securing foreign orders and delivering on time, underscoring India's growing stature in global defense manufacturing. He highlighted that the Indian Ocean Region considers the Indian Navy as a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner, showcasing readiness in operations from HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) to anti-piracy missions.
The FSS-1 'Surya' is designed for 60-day missions and 'out of area' operations, featuring advanced self-defence systems against missiles, torpedoes, and mines. It is equipped with a helicopter deck certified for medium role helicopter operations and a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system. Onboard workshops will also enable first-line maintenance and emergency repairs for itself and supported vessels.
During the event, Mr.
Singh also inaugurated HSL's newly modernized Slipway No. 4 and a powerful 300-tonne Goliath crane.
These upgrades expand HSL's capacity, enabling it to build naval platforms of up to 45,000 DWT, further cementing the shipyard's role as a custodian of India's national maritime and defense requirements, a legacy stretching back to its establishment in 1941.
