- Context: Indian Navy’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), Surya, launched at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
- Part of a ₹19,000-crore contract for construction of 5 indigenous auxiliary vessels.
- Fleet Support Ship (FSS): Auxiliary naval vessel that replenishes warships at sea, enabling prolonged operations away from home ports.
- Surya:FSS-1; keel of FSS-5 also laid during the ceremony.
- Builder:Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
- Indigenous content: 82%.
- Fuel/storage capacity:
- 20,000 tonnes high-speed diesel
- 2,500 tonnes aviation turbine fuel
- Fresh water
- Dry cargo including ammunition and spares
- Can simultaneously transfer fuel, stores and personnel to multiple warships.
- Acts as a floating logistics/supply base, increasing the Indian Navy’s endurance and sustained high-seas deployment capability.
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence shipbuilding and reduces dependence on foreign support vessels.
- HSL: Defence public-sector shipyard located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- Fleet Support Ships are auxiliary vessels, not frontline combatants; their primary role is logistics and replenishment.
