The Indian Navy’s fleet is set to expand as INS Surat, the fourth and final destroyer of the Project-15B Visakhapatnam Class, embarks on its maiden sea trials. Designed in-house by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Limited, INS Surat is expected to join the Navy’s frontline fleet later this year, alongside its sister ships INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal.
An upgraded derivative of the Kolkata Class (Project-15A), the Visakhapatnam Class introduces advanced features, including a redesigned bridge with reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS) and enhanced structural resilience. With 72% indigenous components, up from 59% in the Kolkata Class, these ships exemplify India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production.
Technical Specifications and Combat Capabilities
INS Surat boasts impressive specifications:
- Displacement: 7,400 tons
- Length: 163 meters
- Top Speed: Nearly 60 km/h
- Range: 15,000 km
The destroyer features a state-of-the-art Combat Management System, integrating data from an AESA radar (developed in collaboration with Israel), radars and sonars by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and systems from Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Danish firm Terma. Its armament includes:
- 16 BrahMos Cruise Missiles: Known for their precision and devastating impact.
- Barak-8 Missiles: Capable of engaging aerial threats up to 100 km away.
- 76 mm OTO Melara Naval Gun and AK-630M CIWS for self-defense.
- Torpedoes and Countermeasure Systems: For protection against missiles and submarines.
Additionally, the ship supports two helicopters—capable of hosting Sea Kings, ALH Dhruvs, or MH-60 Romeos—along with a rail-less helicopter traversing system to secure aircraft during rough seas.
A Proud Legacy and Maritime Heritage
INS Surat is the first naval ship named after the city of Surat, Gujarat, a historic center for shipbuilding and trade. Its crest, unveiled by Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and former Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, features Hazira’s lighthouse and the iconic Asiatic Lion, symbolizing strength and maritime legacy.
As INS Surat prepares to join the Navy, it represents the pinnacle of India’s naval engineering, combining cutting-edge technology, formidable firepower, and a tribute to the nation’s rich maritime heritage.
