In a major expansion of India's blue-water operational endurance, the first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), named INS Surya, was launched at Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the landmark ceremony at the facilities of Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). Displacing around 43,500 tonnes, the massive auxiliary vessel is engineered to replenish naval warships with fuel, ammunition, provisions, and spare parts directly at sea, significantly eliminating their reliance on frequent port calls.
Crucial Maritime Milestones Unveiled in Visakhapatnam
The ceremony at Visakhapatnam encompassed multiple operational milestones beyond the launch of INS Surya. The keel was formally laid for the fifth ship in the series (FSS-5), marking the start of its physical construction, alongside the inauguration of an advanced new slipway to expand yard construction throughput. The engagement in the port city covered three dedicated naval infrastructure projects, forming part of a broader itinerary that also scheduled the formal handover of the 2,000th aero-engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Focus on Regional Maritime Industrial Capabilities
Highlighting the strategic importance of coastal shipbuilding infrastructure, the Defence Minister called for Visakhapatnam to transform into a comprehensive maritime industrial hub. Articulating the significance of the development on X, he noted that "The launch of FSS1 is a symbol of achievement, keel laying of FSS5 is a symbol of resolve and the new Slipway is a symbol of our growing capability." The expansion reflects ongoing modernization efforts that place domestic shipbuilders at the core of defence manufacturing.
₹19,000-Crore Drive to Broaden Naval Reach
The construction of these fleet support vessels is being executed under an extensive ₹19,000-crore procurement programme designed to sustain continuous long-range deployments. By providing underway replenishment to carrier battle groups and frontline surface combatants, the 43,500-tonne support ships will directly reinforce operational presence across critical sea lanes in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
