Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Launches Fleet Support Ship

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially launched India’s inaugural fleet support ship, named 'Surya', on Friday in Visakhapatnam, a significant addition to the Indian Navy's logistics capabilities. The event underscores India's commitment to expanding its maritime fleet amid rising global challenges.

The fleet support ship is designed to provide essential support and supplies to naval operations, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness. Defence Minister Singh emphasised the necessity for indigenous shipbuilding capabilities to win foreign orders. He stated, "Shipbuilders must focus on timely delivery of vessels to strengthen our position in the global maritime industry."

During the ceremony, Singh also witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, marking a milestone in India's aerospace manufacturing sector. This achievement reflects the government's push towards self-reliance in defence production under the Make in India initiative, encouraging domestic industries to fulfil the demands of the armed forces.

In his address, Singh reiterated the importance of advancing naval technologies and enhancing shipbuilding capacities. The Defence Minister highlighted that modern naval warfare requires innovative solutions and timely project execution.

The launch of 'Surya' represents not only a development in India's naval capabilities but also a strategic move towards enhancing cooperation and interoperability within the Indian Armed Forces. As the region witnesses increasing maritime activity, the importance of robust logistical support remains paramount.

Singh concluded his remarks by calling upon the Indian shipyards to innovate and adapt in order to meet international standards, thereby positioning India as a formidable player in the global shipbuilding arena.