Raksha Mantri launches first indigenous Fleet Support Ship ‘ Surya’ at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh launched the first Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), laid the keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam on October 06, 2026. The milestone is a significant step in strengthening HSL’s capacity to build larger and more complex ships and advancing India’s indigenous maritime capability.
Addressing the gathering, the Raksha Mantri said the three milestones had significance beyond the individual achievements.“The launch of FSS1 is a symbol of achievement, keel laying of FSS5 is a symbol of resolve and the new Slipway is a symbol of our growing capability,” he said, adding that HSL was strengthening not only its shipbuilding capacity but also the foundation of India’s maritime power.
Recalling the launch of the first ship built in independent India ‘Jala Usha’ at Visakhapatnam in 1948, RM highlighted India’s longstanding maritime heritage, noting that the country’s relationship with the sea dates back to ancient times. He described HSL as a custodian of India’s national maritime capability and lauded its contribution to the country’s maritime and defence requirements for more than eight decades. RM highlighted HSL’s attainment of Miniratna Category-I status in 2025 after it came under the Ministry of Defence as an important milestone reflecting its transformation and sustained efforts.UPDATED ON 6TH OCT 2026)
