# Navy Gets First Indigenous Fleet Support Ship Surya in Visakhapatnam as Rajnath Singh Marks Major Maritime Milestone

> Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Indian Navy's first indigenous 43,500-tonne Fleet Support Ship, INS Surya, built at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Leaders Speak · **Published:** 2026-10-06 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/neta-ji/vishakhapattanama-men-bharatiya-nausena-ka-pahala-svadeshi-phlita-saporta-shipa-surya-loncha-raksha-mntri-ne-rakhi-panchaven-pota--43843 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** rajnathsingh

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.

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## What this means for you
The commissioning of the indigenous fleet support ship program delivers tangible security enhancements and long-term economic gains.

- **Across India:** Expanding underway replenishment capabilities ensures safer commercial shipping corridors and enhanced national maritime deterrence. The ₹19,000-crore shipbuilding outlay channels substantial business into domestic manufacturing supply chains and engineering firms.
- **In Visakhapatnam:** Accelerated production at Hindustan Shipyard Limited directly creates high-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs within the district. Modernized infrastructure like the new slipway anchors the city as a strategic hub for heavy maritime industrial activity.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What is INS Surya and what is its displacement?
INS Surya is the Indian Navy's first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), displacing approximately 43,500 tonnes.

### 2. Where and by whom was the vessel launched?
The ship was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.

### 3. Why are Fleet Support Ships critical for the Navy?
They provide fuel, food, ammunition, and spares to warships at sea, allowing them to sustain missions without returning to port.

### 4. What is the total outlay for the Fleet Support Ship project?
The shipbuilding project involves an overall investment of approximately ₹19,000 crore.

### 5. What other project milestones were marked during the visit to Visakhapatnam?
The keel was laid for the fifth ship (FSS-5) and an advanced new shipyard slipway was officially inaugurated.

## Leader Profile: Rajnath Singh
- **Role:** Union Defence Minister
- **Born:** 10 July 1951, Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh
- **Party:** Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- **Education:** MSc in Physics

India's Defence Minister since 2019, a former Home Minister and two-time BJP National President. He was Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (2000–02).

### Political Career & Achievements
- Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (2000–2002)
- BJP National President (2005–09 & 2013–14)
- Union Home Minister (2014–2019)
- Union Defence Minister (since 2019)
- Member of Parliament from Lucknow

### Quick Facts
- Worked as a physics lecturer before entering politics.
- Was jailed for nearly two years during the 1975 Emergency.


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