The crest unveiling ceremony of the Indian Navy’s ‘Surat,’ the latest indigenous under-construction guided missile destroyer under ‘Project 15B,’ was a momentous event held in the city of Surat on November 6, 2023.
The honour of unveiling the crest fell to Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, in the presence of Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff. This ceremony is significant in the context of India’s dedication to advancing its warship building technology and strategic military capabilities.
About `Surat’
‘Surat’ is part of the ‘Project 15B’ program, a vital initiative aimed at constructing four cutting-edge stealth guided missile destroyers. ‘Surat’ is the fourth and final ship in this program, currently under construction at the Mazagon Docks Shipbuilders Ltd. in Mumbai. The construction of ‘Surat’ is emblematic of India’s commitment to self-reliance in advanced warship technology and its pursuit of strategic military advancements.
Historically, Surat played a crucial role as a maritime trade link from the 16th to the 18th century. It was renowned for shipbuilding activities, producing vessels known for their remarkable longevity, some of which served for over a century. The decision to name the warship after the city of Surat is a gesture to this rich maritime history. It is also a part of the naval tradition to name ships after prominent cities, and ‘Surat’ proudly continues this tradition. It’s worth noting that ‘Surat’ is the first CAPITAL warship of the Indian Navy to be named after a city in Gujarat.
The crest unveiling ceremony was conducted under the auspices of the Western Naval Command by Gujarat Naval Area, and it was a historic occasion. Unveiling the crest in the city after which the warship was named holds a special significance. It reflects the strong connection between the nation’s maritime history and its ongoing commitment to technological and strategic advancements in naval defence.
According to the Indian Navy, ‘Surat’ is more than just a warship; it symbolizes India’s proud heritage and its vision for a technologically advanced and self-reliant future. The ceremony celebrated this fusion of tradition and innovation, where the rich maritime history of Surat meets cutting-edge naval technology. ‘Surat’ is set to become a symbol of the nation’s maritime strength and its bright future, with the city of Surat standing as a proud namesake, bridging the past and the future of Indian naval excellence.