In A First, Gujarat Chief Minister Unveiled Crest of Navy Warship ‘Surat’

Surat : In a historic event, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel revealed the crest of Navy warship ‘Surat’, Indian Navy’s latest guided missile destroyer,  marking a momentous occasion for the city of Surat and the country’s naval history.

The unveiling ceremony, attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and other senior naval officers, was conducted in Surat, making it the first city in India to have a warship named in its honor.

This unveiling ceremony not only commemorated the city but also created a significant milestone by being the first instance in which the crest of a warship was revealed in the very city from which it draws its name.

The ceremony was a moment of pride and honor for Surat, witnessed by Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command, and Rear Admiral Anil Jaggi, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area, among other distinguished attendees.

The ‘Surat’ warship, part of the ‘Project 15B’ program, stands as the fourth and final vessel in a series of next-generation stealth guided missile destroyers under construction. Initiated and overseen by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the indigenously constructed ship was previously launched in March last year at Mumbai.

Highlighting the strategic significance and technological prowess of the nation, the Press Information Bureau release described the ongoing construction of the ‘Surat’ warship at the Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai as a testament to India’s commitment to indigenous cutting-edge warship building technology and military advancements.

The release further spotlighted the remarkable growth and capabilities of the Indian Navy, emphasizing its status as a combat-ready and highly capable force, equipped with more than 130 surface warships, with an additional 67 vessels currently under construction. The naval expansion reflects the success of initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atma Nirbharta,’ with a noteworthy mention that 65 of the 67 warships under construction are being built in Indian shipyards.

Surat’s maritime legacy, once a crucial maritime trade hub between the 16th and 18th centuries, served as a thriving center for shipbuilding activities. The vessels constructed during this period were renowned for their endurance, with some ships in service for over a century, solidifying the city’s historical significance in maritime history.

The Indian Navy takes immense pride in naming its latest and most technologically advanced warship after the city of Surat, aligning with the tradition of naming naval vessels after prominent cities of the nation, as acknowledged in the release. The dedication to preserving this tradition reflects the country’s rich maritime heritage and reinforces the naval legacy, emphasizing the spirit of Surat’s historical ties with maritime excellence.