INS Surat: A Modern Marvel of India’s Naval Fleet

Introduction

On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned INS Surat, the final and most advanced stealth guided missile destroyer of the Visakhapatnam-class under Project 15B. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, INS Surat is a formidable addition to India’s naval fleet.

This advanced warship, which incorporates cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, is a testament to India’s progress in indigenous defense production. INS Surat is a key asset for enhancing India’s maritime defense strategy and signifies a crucial step in strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

Project 15B: A Legacy of Excellence

The commissioning of INS Surat marks the completion of Project 15B, which was initiated to construct advanced variants of the Kolkata-class guided missile destroyers under Project 15A. The four ships in Project 15B—INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, INS Imphal, and INS Surat—are named after prominent cities in the four corners of India, reflecting the unity and strength of the nation.

Project 15B was conceived as an improvement over Project 15A, incorporating technological advancements in stealth, sensors, and weaponry. The contract for constructing these ships was signed in January 2011, and over the past decade, India has demonstrated its capability to design and build complex naval platforms.

INS Surat: Specifications and Features

INS Surat is a guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and an overall length of 164 meters. With its advanced weaponry, stealth design, and AI-enabled systems, it is among the most potent and versatile warships in the Indian Navy’s arsenal.

1. Speed and Propulsion

• Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system comprising four gas turbines.
• Achieved speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h) during rigorous sea trials.

2. Dimensions and Indigenous Content

• 163 meters in length and 17 meters in width, making it one of the largest and most capable destroyers in the Navy.
• Approximately 75% of its components are indigenously sourced, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative.

3. Weaponry and Sensors
INS Surat is equipped with an impressive array of state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, enabling it to perform a wide range of combat operations:

• Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAMs): For effective aerial defense.
• BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles: Capable of delivering precise and powerful strikes against surface targets.
• Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers and Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers: Enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
• Helicopter Support: The ship can accommodate two helicopters, further boosting its reconnaissance and combat versatility.

4. Stealth and Network-Centric Warfare
The stealth design of INS Surat reduces its radar signature, making it harder to detect in combat scenarios. Its modern communication and sensor systems are integral to “network-centric warfare,” where IT and networking tools are used to create a cohesive system of force elements during conflicts.

Artificial Intelligence: A First in Indian Naval History

INS Surat stands out as the first AI-enabled warship in the Indian Navy. Indigenously developed AI solutions have been integrated into the ship’s systems to enhance operational efficiency, automate routine tasks, and provide critical decision-making support during combat situations.

The use of AI on INS Surat signifies a transformative step in India’s maritime defense, setting a precedent for future naval platforms. By leveraging AI, the ship can optimize its resource usage, improve situational awareness, and respond swiftly to dynamic combat scenarios.

The Evolution of Guided Missile Destroyers

Over the years, the Indian Navy has continually upgraded its destroyer fleet to meet modern warfare requirements. Before Project 15B, the Navy inducted guided missile destroyers under Project 15A, codenamed the Kolkata-class.

Key Ships of Project 15A:

• INS Kolkata
• INS Kochi
• INS Chennai

While the Kolkata-class destroyers were an impressive feat of engineering, Project 15B was conceptualized to develop a more advanced variant. INS Surat, as the final vessel of this project, encapsulates the technological and strategic advancements made by India in naval shipbuilding.

Destroyers like INS Surat are crucial assets for the Navy due to their high speed, agility, and superior strike capabilities. They play a pivotal role in various naval operations, including offensive strikes, anti-submarine warfare, and fleet defense.

Strategic Significance of INS Surat

The commissioning of INS Surat comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean are at an all-time high. The ship bolsters India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests, secure trade routes, and maintain regional stability.

1. Enhancing Maritime Defense
INS Surat adds a new dimension to India’s maritime defense strategy. Its powerful weapon systems and stealth capabilities make it a formidable deterrent against adversaries in the region.

2. A Step Toward Self-Reliance
The indigenous content of INS Surat underscores India’s progress in achieving self-reliance in defense production. The “Make in India” initiative has been a driving force behind the development of advanced naval platforms like INS Surat, reducing dependence on foreign imports.

3. Addressing Regional Challenges
The Indian Ocean is witnessing increasing activity, with several global powers vying for influence. INS Surat strengthens India’s naval presence, ensuring the country remains prepared to counter any threats to its sovereignty and security.

A Symbol of India’s Naval Strength

INS Surat is more than just a warship—it is a symbol of India’s growing maritime power and technological capabilities. From its AI-enabled systems to its indigenous design and advanced weaponry, the ship reflects India’s commitment to building a self-reliant and robust defense ecosystem.

As the Indian Navy continues to expand and modernize its fleet, ships like INS Surat will play a central role in maintaining the nation’s security and asserting its presence in the global maritime arena.

Conclusion

INS Surat is a shining example of India’s progress in naval shipbuilding and defense technology. As the final ship of Project 15B, it marks the culmination of years of innovation, dedication, and strategic planning. Its induction into the Indian Navy strengthens the country’s maritime defense, enhances its operational capabilities, and reinforces its commitment to self-reliance under the “Make in India” initiative.

In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, INS Surat is a beacon of India’s determination to secure its maritime interests and uphold its position as a dominant naval power in the Indian Ocean region.