Indian Navy unveils INS Surat, the latest Visakhapatnam-Class destroyer to boost maritime prowess

In a grand ceremony in Surat, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, unveiled the crest of the Indian Navy's latest guided missile destroyer 'Surat.' The event was attended by top naval officials and dignitaries from both the state government and the Indian Navy.

The crest of 'Surat' pays homage to the city's maritime legacy, featuring the iconic Hazira lighthouse, which stands at the southern entrance of the Gulf of Khambhat and has guided sailors since 1836. The inclusion of the Asiatic lion, Gujarat's state animal, symbolizes the ship's strength and majesty. The crest also showcases a wavy sea, representing the ship's advanced naval technology and commitment to maritime security. 

Surat: A sentinel of national defense 

As a part of the Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers, 'Surat' is at the forefront of India's naval technology and capabilities. Constructed using innovative block construction methods, it highlights India's shipbuilding expertise and commitment to indigenous naval advancements. 'Surat' is poised to join the Indian Navy's fleet next year, serving as a formidable sentinel safeguarding the nation's maritime frontiers and strategic interests. 

Named after the vibrant city of Surat, known for its maritime history and shipbuilding heritage, the warship 'Surat' embodies the spirit of innovation and self-reliance. It is a testament to India's growing naval prowess and dedication to cutting-edge maritime technology. 

Project 15B follows the success of the Project 15A (Kolkata Class) and represents India's dedication to advancing its naval capabilities. 'Surat' serves as a shining example of the nation's commitment to strategic military advancements and indigenous shipbuilding. 

A bright future for INS Surat 

'Surat' is set to join active service in the near future, and its able crew will proudly serve the nation for decades to come. The crest unveiling ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed individuals from the political and commercial fields of Surat, alongside top naval officials, underlining the significance of this maritime event. 

The upcoming guided-missile destroyer 'Surat' is part of the Visakhapatnam class, also known as the P-15 Bravo class, representing a significant leap in Indian naval technology. Designed as an upgraded derivative of the Kolkata class, these destroyers incorporate enhanced features in stealth, automation, and ordnance. 

Impressive armament for varied warfare capabilities 

Under the Make in India initiative, the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) has spearheaded the design of four Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, with construction undertaken by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL). The first vessel of this class, INS Visakhapatnam, was commissioned on November 21, 2021.

The project aimed to minimize development time and costs by making incremental alterations to the successful Kolkata-class destroyers. The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers are armed to the teeth, making them formidable assets in multiple warfare scenarios: 

Anti-Surface Warfare: The class boasts sixteen Brahmos anti-ship cruise missiles, known for their speed and manoeuvrability. These missiles are renowned for their versatility and lethality. 

Anti-Air Warfare: Equipped with thirty-two Barak 8ER surface-to-air missiles, the class is prepared to handle various aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The extended-range Barak 8ER missiles offer a range of about 150 kilometers. 

Anti-Submarine Warfare: For anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the class features twin torpedo launchers for heavyweight torpedoes, such as the Varunastra. It also includes RBU-6000 (RPK-8) anti-submarine rocket launchers with the capability to engage targets at depths of up to 1,000 meters. 

Aviation Facilities: With a flight deck and enclosed aviation hangar, the destroyers can accommodate two medium-sized helicopters, including the HAL Dhruv and Westland Sea King Mk. 42B. They also feature a "rail-less" helicopter traversing system for securing helicopters during adverse sea conditions. 

Decoys: Each destroyer is equipped with two Kavach anti-missile decoy systems, enhancing their defenses against short-range aerial threats. 

State-of-the-Art Sensors: The class's advanced sensor suite includes radar, sonar, and electronic warfare capabilities. 

Radar: The destroyers employ the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S band active electronically scanned array radar, with an impressive 360-degree azimuth and a range of over 450 kilometers. Additionally, the Thales LW-08 radar provides long-range D band surveillance capabilities. 

Sonar: The BEL HUMSA-NG sonar and the BEL Nagin active towed array sonar enable the class to detect, classify, and track sub-surface targets in both active and passive modes.  

Electronic Warfare: Equipped with the DRDL Shakthi EW suite, the destroyers have electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) capabilities, intercepting, classifying, and jamming radar signals effectively. 

The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers represent India's commitment to naval advancements and its dedication to maintaining a robust naval presence in the region. These vessels are poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding India's maritime security and national defense in the coming years.