On January 15, the Indian Navy will welcome a formidable addition to its fleet: INS Surat, a cutting-edge guided-missile destroyer, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This state-of-the-art warship represents a remarkable leap forward in naval warfare technology and indigenous defense capabilities.

INS Surat is the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B Guided Missile Destroyer series. Ranking among the largest and most advanced destroyers in the world, it boasts a displacement of 7,400 tons and spans 164 meters in length. Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system with four gas turbines, the warship can achieve impressive speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h) during sea trials.

A Marvel of Indigenous Innovation

INS Surat, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, highlights India’s efforts to strengthen its defense independence. With 75% of its components being locally manufactured, the warship is equipped with cutting-edge weapons, sensors, and advanced networking capabilities, positioning it among the most advanced naval platforms worldwide.

The warship also features artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions, developed indigenously, which significantly enhance its operational efficiency. This marks INS Surat as the Indian Navy's first AI-powered destroyer.

A Fleet of Frontline Combatants

The commissioning of INS Surat is part of a significant event where the Indian Navy will induct three major combatants:

• INS Nilgiri: The lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class.
• INS Surat: The final destroyer of the Project 15B stealth series.
• INS Vaghsheer: The sixth and final Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarine.

Each of these vessels feature advanced sensors, weapon packages, and helicopter-operating capabilities for diverse operational scenarios.

Designed for Modern Warfare

INS Surat’s advanced features include:

• Helicopter Operations: Capable of deploying Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and MH-60R helicopters for day and night missions.
• Automation and Efficiency: High levels of automation enable the ship to operate with fewer crew members compared to previous generations.
• Enhanced Accommodation: Designed to accommodate a growing number of women officers and sailors, in line with the Navy’s evolving workforce.

The name “Surat” carries significant historical and maritime importance. From the 16th to the 18th century, Surat was a vital maritime trade hub and a flourishing center for shipbuilding. Vessels crafted in Surat were celebrated for their longevity, with some serving for over a century. Naming this technologically advanced warship after Surat is a tribute to India’s rich maritime legacy.

INS Surat is the seventh and final ship of the illustrious Project 15 series. The lineage began with the Project 15A series (INS Kolkata, Kochi, Chennai) and continued with the Project 15B series (INS Visakhapatnam, Imphal, Mormugao, and Surat). These destroyers have consistently set benchmarks in naval technology and combat readiness.

Prime Minister’s Presence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the commissioning ceremony. The event marks the formal induction of INS Surat into the Indian Navy, where it will earn the INS-prefix and join the ranks of India’s elite naval fleet.

As INS Surat takes to the seas, it represents India’s drive for innovation and progress. With powerful combat abilities, modern technology, and a connection to India’s maritime heritage, the warship is ready to boost the country's naval strength and protect its interests at sea.