Surat: The crest of Indian Navy’s latest, under-construction, guided missile destroyer ‘Surat’, was unveiled by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel at a vibrant ceremony in the city of Surat on November 6, in presence of Adm R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and senior dignitaries and officials from the State Government and the Indian Navy.
The ceremony for unveiling the crest was conducted under the aegis of Western Naval Command by Gujarat Naval Area. The Indian Navy’s latest, under-construction, guided missile destroyer ‘Surat’ is the first capital warship of Indian Navy to be named after a city of Gujarat. It is also the first time that unveiling of the crest of a warship was undertaken in the very city after which it has been named.
Amongst the latest frontline ‘Warship Projects’ under construction, the ‘Project 15B‘ programme involves construction of four next generation stealth guided missile destroyers, of which ‘Surat’ is the fourth and the last ship. The ship is presently under construction at the Mazagon Docks Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. Construction of this warship testifies the nation’s dedication to indigenous cutting-edge warship building technology and commitment to strategic military advancements.
The crest of Surat depicts the famous lighthouse at Hazira (Surat), located at southern entrance of the Gulf of Khambhat. Built in 1836, this lighthouse was one of the first lighthouses in India. The Asiatic lion on the crest, which is also the state animal of Gujarat, symbolises the ship’s majesty and strength.
Equipped with the latest advancements in naval warfare technology and combat capabilities, the warship Surat stands as a powerful embodiment of the navy’s commitment to maritime security and national defence. This is well depicted by the wavy sea depicted on the crest. On the threshold of joining the Indian Navy’s fleet, Surat promises to serve as a formidable sentinel, safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontiers and upholding its strategic interests in the region
Named after the vibrant city of Surat, renowned for its rich maritime history and shipbuilding legacy, the warship Surat also embodies the enterprising and self- reliant spirit of its namesake.
The fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers, Surat represents a remarkable leap in naval technology and capabilities. The ship has been constructed using innovative block construction methodology, wherein the ship’s hull has been assiduously assembled at distinct geographical locations before being integrated at the Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. While also highlighting intricate precision and engineering excellence, this methodology underscores the growing refinement of India’s shipbuilding prowess.
Project 15B follows the success of the Project 15A (Kolkata Class) and serves as a testament to India’s steadily growing naval prowess. Construction of the warship Surat exemplifies the nation’s dedication to indigenous cutting-edge maritime technology and commitment to strategic military advancements.
Slated to join active service next year Surat and her able bodied crew will serve the nation proudly in the decades to come. In addition to the Chief Minister and the Chief of Naval Staff, the vibrant ceremony of the unveiling of the ship’s crest was attended by VAdm Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western naval Command, RAdm Anil Jaggi, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area, senior officers of the Indian Navy and several luminaries of Surat city from the political and commercial fields.
