Defence Minister Launches First Indigenous Fleet Support Ship 'INS Surya' in Visakhapatnam

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh launched the first Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1) 'Surya' on October 6, 2026, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam. On this occasion, he also laid the foundation stone for the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5) and inaugurated the advanced Slipway-4 and a Goliath crane with a capacity of 300 tons. This move is significant toward enhancing India's indigenous maritime capabilities and strengthening HSL's capacity to construct large vessels.

Addressing the program, the Defence Minister stated that the launching of FSS-1 is a symbol of success, the foundation of FSS-5 reflects determination, and the new slipway represents India's growing capabilities. He directed Hindustan Shipyard Limited to set a standard for quality, productivity, and timely delivery. Shri Rajnath Singh called for the development of Visakhapatnam as a major maritime industrial hub.

The Defence Minister explained that Fleet Support Ships will strengthen the Indian Navy's reach, operational efficiency, and logistics support in the Indian Ocean Region. The indigenously built 'INS Surya' features advanced cargo and liquid transport capabilities, state-of-the-art maintenance workshops, dedicated decks for multi-role helicopter operations, and self-defense systems.

Regarding infrastructure expansion, it was noted that through the advanced Slipway-4, HSL will now be able to construct ships up to 45,000 DWT. Additionally, a 300-ton Goliath crane, manufactured by M/s L&T Geostructure and Konecranes under the Make in India initiative, will make modern block construction more precise and rapid.

Emphasizing global competitiveness alongside self-reliance, the Defence Minister said that Indian shipyards should compete with the world's leading shipyards in terms of cost, technology, and reliability. He expressed the need for HSL to develop a holistic shipbuilding ecosystem by collaborating with MSMEs, universities, and startups in Andhra Pradesh.

Present on the occasion were Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Andhra Pradesh Minister Shri Janardan Reddy, MP Shri Bharat Mathukumilli, Secretary of Defence Production Shri Sanjeev Kumar, and other senior officials.