The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, unveiled the crest of the Indian Navy’s latest guided missile destroyer, ‘Surat,’ which is currently under construction. The ceremony took place in the city of Surat and was attended by Admiral R. Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, along with senior dignitaries and officials from the State Government and the Indian Navy.
The crest of the ‘Surat’ features an image of the famous lighthouse at Hazira (Surat), situated at the southern entrance of the Gulf of Khambhat. This lighthouse, built in 1836, was one of the earliest lighthouses in India. The crest also includes an Asiatic lion, which is the state animal of Gujarat, symbolizing the ship’s majesty and strength. Equipped with the latest advancements in naval warfare technology and combat capabilities, the warship ‘Surat’ represents the Navy’s commitment to maritime security and national defense, as evident from the depiction of the wavy sea on the crest. As ‘Surat’ prepares to join the Indian Navy’s fleet, it will serve as a formidable guardian, protecting the nation’s maritime frontiers and safeguarding its strategic interests in the region.
Named after the vibrant city of Surat, known for its rich maritime history and shipbuilding legacy, the warship ‘Surat’ also reflects the enterprising and self-reliant spirit of its namesake.
‘Surat’ is the fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers, representing a significant advancement in naval technology and capabilities. The ship’s construction employed an innovative block construction methodology, where the ship’s hull was meticulously assembled at various geographical locations before integration at the Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. This approach underscores India’s growing refinement in shipbuilding expertise and precision engineering.
Project 15B follows the success of Project 15A (Kolkata Class) and demonstrates India’s steadily increasing naval capabilities. The construction of ‘Surat’ exemplifies the nation’s dedication to indigenous cutting-edge maritime technology and its commitment to strategic military advancements.
Scheduled to enter active service next year, ‘Surat’ and its capable crew will serve the nation with pride in the years to come. The ceremony to unveil the ship’s crest was attended by the Chief Minister, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Anil Jaggi, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area, senior officers of the Indian Navy, and distinguished individuals from the political and commercial sectors of Surat city.
