Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launches Navy's first indigenous Fleet Support Ship in Visakhapatnam

Indian shipyards must build ships for friendly foreign countries and deliver them on time instead of only meeting domestic needs. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made this statement during the launch of the Indian Navy's first indigenous Fleet Support Ship named Surya at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.

Shipbuilding Plans

The Surya project is part of a ₹19,000-crore contract to build five ships with 82 percent indigenous content. The Surya displaces about 43,500 tonnes and can refuel and resupply multiple warships at sea at the same time. During the event, Mr. Singh also laid the keel for the fifth ship in the series, inaugurated a newly modernised Slipway-4, and opened a 300-tonne Goliath crane.

Industrial Hub

Mr. Singh called for turning Visakhapatnam into an integrated maritime industrial hub built around Hindustan Shipyard. He noted the city's strategic advantages, which include the Eastern Naval Command, the Naval Dockyard, and the Visakhapatnam Port. He proposed a national framework involving the Navy, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, public sector undertakings, industry bodies, MSMEs, startups, and academia.

Context

Fleet Support Ships are specialised naval vessels designed to supply fuel, water, food, and ammunition to combat ships while at sea, allowing navies to stay deployed for longer periods without returning to port. India's push for indigenous defence manufacturing aims to reduce reliance on foreign military imports and build domestic industrial capabilities.