Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

INS Surat the Indian Navy's latest indigenous guided missile destroyer successfully test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile in the Arabian Sea.

The missile was used for precision cooperative engagement of a sea-skimming target.

Missile Range is around 70 km.

About INS Surat

Attribute	Details
Class	Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer
Role	Multi-role destroyer for anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare
Commissioned	January 2025
Designer	Warship Design Bureau, Indian Navy
Builder	Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. Mumbai
Indigenous Content	~75%

Features of INS Surat

Feature	Specification
Displacement	7,400 tonnes
Length	164 metres
Speed	30+ knots
Propulsion	COGAG (Combined Gas and Gas) – 4 gas turbines
AI Capability	India’s first AI-enabled warship with indigenous AI-based decision-making systems
Weapon Systems	Surface-to-Air Missiles Anti-Ship Missiles Torpedoes Close-in Weapon System
Sensors	Advanced Radar Suites Sonar Systems Electronic Warfare Systems
Network Capability	Fully integrated network-centric operations platform

Strategic and Defence Relevance

INS Surat’s indigenous design and manufacturing align with the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence.

Strengthens Naval Doctrine

Part of India’s broader effort to modernize its surface combat fleet.

Ideal for deployment in high-threat zones of the Indian Ocean Region.

Supports Blue Water Navy aspirations and maritime security architecture.

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the role of indigenous warship development in enhancing India’s maritime security and self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 250 Words.