Visakhapatnam, October 6, 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched the Indian Navy’s first Fleet Support Ship, FSS-1 ‘Surya’, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and maritime preparedness.
During the programme, the Defence Minister also laid the keel for Fleet Support Ship-5 (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 along with a 300-tonne Goliath Crane at HSL. The developments are aimed at expanding the shipyard’s ability to undertake the construction of larger and more complex vessels.
FSS-1 ‘Surya’ to Strengthen Naval Reach
FSS-1 is the first of five Fleet Support Ships being constructed for the Indian Navy. The vessel, weighing around 43,500 tonnes, is designed to support naval operations by replenishing warships at sea.
Such vessels play an important role in extending the endurance of naval formations by providing essential supplies while ships remain deployed for prolonged periods. The Fleet Support Ship programme is therefore expected to strengthen the Navy’s operational reach across the Indian Ocean Region.
The first ship has reached the launch stage just 18 months after steel cutting, highlighting the pace of construction and the growing capabilities of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry.
Major Upgrade for Hindustan Shipyard
The upgraded Slipway-4, supported by the new 300-tonne Goliath Crane, will enable HSL to build and launch vessels of up to 45,000 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT).
The infrastructure upgrade significantly increases the shipyard’s capacity to handle large platforms and complex shipbuilding projects. The keel laying of FSS-5 also signals the progression of the Fleet Support Ship programme towards series production.
Rajnath Singh Calls for Integrated Maritime Ecosystem
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said India needs a strong and integrated maritime ecosystem to further enhance its maritime power and defence capabilities.
He emphasised greater cooperation between the Indian Navy, shipyards, DRDO, academic institutions, industries, MSMEs and start-ups to build a stronger national maritime ecosystem.
The Defence Minister also highlighted areas such as timely delivery, productivity, indigenous design capabilities, resilient supply chains, skilled manpower, capacity expansion and cost competitiveness as important for making India a globally competitive shipbuilding nation.
Singh noted that the Indian Navy has emerged as an important first responder and security partner in the Indian Ocean Region, including through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, anti-piracy missions, evacuation efforts and maritime security initiatives.
He also underlined the transformation of India’s defence manufacturing sector, with increasing emphasis on designing and producing advanced platforms within the country.
HSL’s Growing Role in India’s Maritime Capability
Hindustan Shipyard Limited has contributed to India’s maritime and defence requirements for more than eight decades. The shipyard was accorded Miniratna Category-I status in 2025, reflecting its institutional and operational transformation.
The launch of FSS-1, keel laying of FSS-5 and expansion of HSL’s shipbuilding infrastructure collectively underline India’s continuing push towards self-reliance in defence production and stronger indigenous maritime capabilities.
