As reported by IDRW, INS Surat, India’s most advanced stealth-guided missile destroyer, played a pivotal role during the high-stakes Operation Sindoor, marking its combat debut less than six months after commissioning. The revelation was made by the warship’s commanding officer, Captain Sandeep Shorey, who confirmed that INS Surat was actively deployed in the Arabian Sea during the operation.
Commissioned in January 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, INS Surat is the fourth and final ship in the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer series under Project 15B. Named after the historic port city in Gujarat, it represents a significant leap in India’s maritime strength and defence self-reliance.
Captain Shorey described INS Surat as “a true multi-role destroyer” with the ability to “detect, classify, and neutralise enemy targets in all dimensions — air, surface, and underwater.” Powered by gas turbines, the 7,400-tonne vessel can reach speeds of 30 knots and sustain extended missions at sea.
The destroyer is equipped with a formidable arsenal, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, IRL rocket launchers capable of firing 150 rockets simultaneously, and a high-speed anti-aircraft gun that can fire 4,000 rounds per minute. It also features advanced radar systems for air and underwater tracking and operates two integral helicopters for extended reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.
What sets INS Surat apart is its status as India’s first Artificial Intelligence-enabled warship. Developed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the ship integrates indigenous AI systems to enhance combat decision-making and navigational efficiency.
With 75% indigenous content, INS Surat is a testament to India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities. Its active participation in Operation Sindoor not only validated its advanced systems in real combat conditions but also marked a strategic milestone in India’s naval modernisation and maritime deterrence posture.
