Archive · 7 Oct 2026
India Launches First Indigenous Fleet Support Ship Surya
India has launched a large support ship called Surya for its Navy.
It is the first of five similar ships being built at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.
These ships carry fuel, water, food, ammunition and other supplies to naval vessels at sea.
That helps warships and submarines stay on missions longer without returning to port.
Surya is 43,500 tonnes and has close to 82 percent Indian-made content.
It can also defend itself against some threats and has a deck for helicopter operations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched Surya and laid the keel for another ship, FSS-5.
Surya is expected to join the Navy in about two years after trials.
Hindustan Shipyard Limited launched Surya, the first of five Fleet Support Ships being built for the Indian Navy.
The 43,500-tonne ship was launched in Visakhapatnam on October 6, 18 months after its steel cutting.
The ships have close to 82% indigenous content and are designed to support 60-day missions.
Surya can transfer fuel, water, ammunition, food and other supplies to warships and submarines at sea.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also laid the keel for FSS-5 and called for stronger coordination across India’s maritime sector.
- Who
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited is building the ships for the Indian Navy; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched Surya.
- What
- Surya, the first of five Fleet Support Ships, was launched; the keel for FSS-5 was also laid.
- When
- October 6; Surya is expected to be commissioned in two years after trials.
- Where
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam, India.
- Why
- The ships are designed to replenish combat ships and submarines at sea, extending their ability to remain deployed.
- Ship
- Surya, the first Fleet Support Ship
- Builder
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited
- Number planned
- Five Fleet Support Ships for the Indian Navy
- Displacement
- 43,500 tonnes
- Indigenous content
- Close to 82%
- Mission capability
- 60 days
- Expected commissioning
- In two years, after trials