Why in News?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched ‘Surya’ at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, and laid the keel for the fifth ship of the series.
Key Facts
Ship name: Surya (FSS-1)
Shipyard: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam
Project: Covers 5 Fleet Support Ships
Contract value: ₹19,000 crore
Indigenous content: 82%
Role: Replenishment and logistical support to naval warships at sea.
Fuel capacity: 20,000 tonnes High-Speed Diesel + 2,500 tonnes Aviation Turbine Fuel
Other cargo: Also carries fresh water, ammunition, spares and dry cargo.
Can simultaneously transfer fuel, stores and personnel to multiple warships.
Strategic Significance
Supports prolonged high-intensity naval operations away from Indian ports.
Strengthens blue-water navy and maritime power.
Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.
Promotes Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.
Strengthens shipbuilding ecosystem and marine technology.
Enhances India’s potential as a global shipbuilding/ship-repair hub.
Infrastructure Development at HSL
Modernised Slipway No. 4.
New 300-tonne Goliath crane.
Covered building dock capacity increased to 80,000 DWT.
Enables construction of vessels up to 45,000 DWT.
Way Forward
Expanding indigenous defence technology.
Promoting private-sector participation.
Developing advanced marine technologies.
Building global ship-repair and shipbuilding capabilities.
Increasing exports of defence and maritime equipment.
Practice Questions
Prelims Question
Q. With reference to Fleet Support Ships (FSS), consider the following statements:
They are used to supply fuel and logistics to naval warships at sea.
They enhance the operational endurance of the Navy away from Indian ports.
‘Surya’, the first ship of the series, has been built at Hindustan Shipyard Limited.
The FSS programme is completely dependent on imported components.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation: Statement 4 is incorrect since the FSS programme has 82% indigenous content, so it is not completely dependent on imported components.
Mains Question
Q. “India’s indigenous Fleet Support Ship programme marks an important step from defence self-reliance towards maritime strategic autonomy.” Discuss. (150 words | 10 marks)