INS Surat: India’s Stealth Destroyer Proves Prowess in Operation Sindoor Debut

According to a report by IDRW, the Indian Navy's advanced stealth-guided missile destroyer, INS Surat, made its combat debut in Operation Sindoor, a significant event occurring within six months of its commissioning. Captain Sandeep Shorey, the commanding officer of INS Surat, revealed that the vessel played a crucial role in the operation, which took place in the Arabian Sea.

Commissioned in January 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, INS Surat is the last ship in the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer series as part of Project 15B. Named after the historic port city in Gujarat, the destroyer marks a substantial enhancement in India's maritime defense capabilities and self-reliance.

Captain Shorey highlighted that INS Surat is equipped as a “true multi-role destroyer,” capable of detecting, classifying, and neutralizing threats across air, surface, and underwater domains. Weighing 7,400 tonnes and powered by gas turbines, the ship can achieve speeds up to 30 knots, allowing for extended maritime missions.

The warship boasts an impressive arsenal, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, and IRL rocket launchers that can discharge 150 rockets at once. It also features a high-speed anti-aircraft gun capable of firing 4,000 rounds per minute. Advanced radar systems further enhance its capabilities in air and underwater tracking, and it operates two integral helicopters for extended reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.

INS Surat distinguishes itself as India's first warship enabled with Artificial Intelligence. Developed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the ship incorporates indigenous AI systems to advance combat decision-making and navigational efficiency.

Featuring 75% indigenous content, INS Surat exemplifies India's growing prowess in defense manufacturing. Its deployment in Operation Sindoor validated its sophisticated systems under actual combat conditions, marking an important step in India's naval modernization and maritime deterrence strategy.