📰 Why in News?
The Indian Navy recently conducted a successful test-fire of a medium-range surface-to-air missile from INS Surat in the Arabian Sea, reinforcing its operational readiness and strategic capabilities.
🛡️ What is INS Surat?
INS Surat is the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyers. It represents a significant leap in
India’s indigenous shipbuilding and defense technology.
Key Highlights:
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Commissioned: January 2025
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Designed by: Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau
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Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai
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Indigenous Content: Over 75%
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Global Ranking: Among the largest and most advanced destroyers in the world
🤖 Cutting-Edge Features of INS Surat
🧠 AI-Enabled Operations
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India’s first warship to be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI)
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Enhances decision-making, target tracking, and real-time threat analysis
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Uses indigenously developed AI systems for greater autonomy and operational efficiency
⚓ Design & Performance
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Displacement: 7,400 tonnes
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Length: 164 metres
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Speed: Over 30 knots (~56 km/h)
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Propulsion: Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) system with four high-performance gas turbines
🎯 Armament and Combat Capability
INS Surat is equipped with a sophisticated weapon suite, including:
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Surface-to-air missiles for aerial threats
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Anti-ship missiles for maritime dominance
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Torpedoes for submarine warfare
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Advanced sensors and network-centric warfare systems
✅ Conclusion
INS Surat symbolizes India’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in defense (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and its strategic push to modernize the Navy. With its AI-enabled systems, high speed, and powerful weapons, INS Surat is poised to enhance India’s maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.
At Vashishth IAS Academy, we recommend aspirants to study this topic under Science & Technology, Security and Defense, and Indigenization of Defense Production for UPSC Prelims and Mains.