Why in News?
INS Surat is prominently in the news because on July 8, 2026, for executing a successful joint naval Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Japanese destroyer JS Takanami off the Mumbai coast to boost maritime cooperation and interoperability.
About
- Project 15B Destroyer: INS Surat is the fourth and final stealth guided-missile destroyer under Project 15B, also known as the Visakhapatnam-class.
- Indigenous Development: Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Features an impressive 75% indigenous content, driving self-reliance in Indian defence manufacturing.
- Commissioning: Formally inducted into the frontline fleet of the Indian Navy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, 2025.
Structural Specifications
- Dimensions: Measures 164 metres in length with a massive displacement capacity of 7,400 tonnes.
- Propulsion System: Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) layout consisting of four powerful gas turbines.
- Speed & Endurance: Capable of crossing top speeds of 30 knots (56 km/h) with an operational range of 8,500 nautical miles.
- Complement: Purpose-built to comfortably house a warfighting crew of 300 personnel (50 officers and 250 sailors).
Technological & Weapon Systems
- First AI-Enabled Warship: It is the first Indian Navy warship integrated with indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance, hazard analysis, and autonomous decision-making.
- Stealth Hull: Designed with an X-band radar-cross-section reducing hull and an integrated sensor mast to evade enemy detection.
- Missile Arsenal: Packed with 16 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for land/surface attacks and 32 Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles for air defence.
- Anti-Submarine Prowess: Armed with indigenously built twin torpedo tube launchers, ASW rocket launchers, and the advanced Humsa-NG hull-mounted sonar system.
- Aviation Deck: Features a dual-helicopter hangar capable of operating two Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) or the multi-role MH-60R Seahawk.
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