INS Surat Missile: On Thursday, the Indian Navy showed its strong defence skills when it fired a surface-to-air missile from INS Surat, one of its newest and most powerful warships. The test happened in the Arabian Sea while the Navy stayed on high alert after the deadly terrorist attack on tourists at Pahalgam meadows. This tragic event has raised tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Western Naval Command, based in Mumbai, confirmed the test. According to sources, “INS Surat has successfully carried out a precision cooperative engagement of a sea-skimming target, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the defence capabilities.” Navy officers also said, “This achievement demonstrates India’s growing prowess in indigenous warship design, development, and operations, and underscores the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.”
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According to Deccan Herald, Officials called this successful missile launch “a testament to the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and its dedication to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
INS Surat
INS Surat belongs to the Visakhapatnam-class and is the last ship in Project 15B, a series of advanced stealth destroyers made in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the ship in January 2025.
It is more powerful and flexible than earlier types of destroyers and frigates in the Navy. Because of its strong weapons and technology, it can carry out missions on its own or lead a naval task force.
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The ship is fitted with ‘BrahMos’ supersonic missiles that can hit targets on the surface and ‘Barak-8’ missiles for defending against enemy aircraft and missiles. It also has advanced Indian-made anti-submarine weapons, including the Hull-mounted Sonar Humsa NG, heavy torpedo launchers, and anti-submarine rocket launchers. These make the ship ready to fight threats from below the sea, on the surface, and in the air.
AIKEYME exercise
Just few days ago Indian Naval Ships INS Chennai and INS Kesari left Dar es Salaam on April 19 after completing the first-ever AIKEYME exercise. The Indian Navy shared this update in an official statement, confirming the successful end of the maiden edition of the joint drill.
Sharing the details in a post on X, the Indian Navy noted, “Marking the successful completion of the maiden edition of #AIKEYME exercise, the Indian Naval Ships #INSChennai and #INSKesari sailed from Dar es Salaam on #19Apr 25.”
It further added, “RAdm AR Hassan, Navy Commander #TPDF & Cmde Agyapal Singh, DA India along with TPDF personnel were present at the port attending the departure ceremony.”
