Indian Navy Launches Fleet Support Ship Surya

The Indian Navy launched Surya, its first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 6 October 2026. The 43,500-tonne vessel has 82% indigenous content and is designed to refuel and resupply several warships at sea.

Fleet support ships and underway replenishment

A Fleet Support Ship carries fuel, water, food, stores and other supplies to naval vessels operating away from their home ports. Supplies can be transferred at sea alongside another vessel, from the stern or by helicopter, allowing supported ships to remain deployed without returning to harbour. Surya is designed for missions of up to 60 days and operations across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. Surya can carry 20,000 tonnes of low-sulphur high-speed diesel, 2,500 tonnes of aviation turbine fuel, 1,000 tonnes of fresh water and 250 tonnes of feed water. It also has capacity for up to eight 20-foot containers carrying ammunition, spare parts and provisions. Onboard workshops support first-line maintenance and emergency repairs.

Ship design and capabilities

The ship is 223.6 metres long and 31.5 metres wide, with a draught of 9.3 metres and a top speed of 20 knots. Its propulsion system is combined diesel and diesel (CODAD), with a single shaft and controllable-pitch propellers. The vessel has self-defence systems against missiles, torpedoes and mines, and a helicopter deck certified for medium-role helicopter operations up to Sea State 5.

Important Facts for Exams

• Surya is the first Fleet Support Ship built indigenously for the Indian Navy.
• Fleet tankers replenish naval vessels at sea, including ships operating far from their home ports.
• HSL was established as Scindia Shipyard in 1941 and incorporated as Hindustan Shipyard Limited in 1952.
• HSL is constructing five Fleet Support Ships under a contract worth ₹19,000 crore signed in August 2023.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited and the FSS programme

HSL is building five Fleet Support Ships under the contract, using integrated modular construction. At Surya’s launch, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the keel for the fifth ship in the series, FSS-5. He also inaugurated HSL’s modernised Slipway No. 4 and a 300-tonne Goliath crane. The ceremony’s traditional ship launch was performed by Laila Swaminathan, President of the Navy Wives Wellness Association. Surya is expected to join the Indian Navy’s fleet by mid-2027 after final fitment and trials. HSL’s modernised facilities can support construction of naval platforms of up to 45,000 deadweight tonnes.