PrepMaticCurrent affairs · October 2026
First indigenous Fleet Support Ship 'Surya' launched at Visakhapatnam
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first indigenous Fleet Support Ship, FSS-1 named Surya, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, on 6 October 2026. On the same day he laid the keel of the fifth ship, FSS-5, and inaugurated an upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane.
What was inaugurated
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ship launched | FSS-1 Surya, built by HSL |
| Keel laid | FSS-5 |
| Slipway-4 | Extended and strengthened to build and launch ships of up to 45,000 DWT |
| Goliath Crane | 300 tonnes, spanning Slipways 3 and 4, made by L&T Geostructure with Konecranes |
Why fleet support ships matter
A navy that operates for long periods far from home needs logistics, maintenance and sustained support as well as warships. Fleet Support Ships provide at-sea replenishment, which extends the Navy's reach and endurance in the Indian Ocean Region. The ships will have larger cargo and fluid capacity, first-line maintenance workshops on board, a helicopter deck for multi-role helicopters and self-defence systems.
The minister recalled that Jala Usha, the first ship built in independent India, was launched at Visakhapatnam in 1948. He also noted that HSL reached Miniratna Category-I status in 2025 after coming under the Ministry of Defence, and called for Visakhapatnam to grow into a maritime industrial hub. The ship was launched after traditional honours by Smt Laila Swaminathan, President of the Navy Wives Wellness Association.
Why it matters for exams
Ship launches, the shipyard, the project name and the "indigenous" tag are standard defence current affairs in TNPSC and general awareness in banking exams. Pair it with naval exercises such as Varuna in your notes, and revise with the TNPSC current affairs guide.
Practice questions
Question 1
Where was the first indigenous Fleet Support Ship Surya launched?
- A. Cochin Shipyard, Kochi
- B. Mazagon Dock, Mumbai
- C. Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
- D. Garden Reach Shipbuilders, Kolkata
Question 2
Which ship's keel was laid on 6 October 2026 at the same event?
- A. FSS-2
- B. FSS-3
- C. FSS-4
- D. FSS-5
Answers
- C. FSS-1 Surya was launched at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam.
- D. The keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship, FSS-5, was laid.
Source
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