NEWS: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched Surya, India’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS), at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.

ABOUT SURYA

• Fleet Support Ship → floating logistics platform for naval vessels.
• Supplies → fuel, fresh water, ammunition, spares + other stores.
• Enables → prolonged high-seas deployment without frequent port returns.

KEY FEATURES

• 82% indigenous content → supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Fuel capacity → 20,000 tonnes high-speed diesel + 2,500 tonnes aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
• Can supply multiple warships simultaneously.

FSS PROGRAMME

• Ministry of Defence–HSL contract → ₹19,000 crore.
• HSL → construct 5 indigenous auxiliary vessels.
• Infrastructure upgraded → 300-tonne Goliath crane + expanded dock capacity.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Strengthens naval logistics + maritime operational endurance.
• Promotes indigenous shipbuilding → self-reliance + global competitiveness.