Rajnath Singh launches first indigenous Fleet Support Ship 'Surya' (FSS-1) at Hindustan Shipyard, Visakhapatnam
On 6 October 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first Fleet Support Ship FSS-1 'Surya', laid the keel of FSS-5 and inaugurated an upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath crane at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
Summary
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), named 'Surya', at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 6 October 2026. He also laid the keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4, which can now build and launch ships of up to 45,000 DWT, and a 300-tonne Goliath crane made under Make in India. Designed and built indigenously by HSL, the Fleet Support Ships will provide at-sea replenishment and sustained support to the Indian Navy, extending its reach and endurance in the Indian Ocean Region.
Key facts
- Ship
- FSS-1 'Surya' (first Fleet Support Ship)
- Shipyard
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam
- Date
- 6 October 2026
- Also
- Keel laying of FSS-5
- Slipway-4
- Upgraded to build ships up to 45,000 DWT
- Crane
- 300-tonne Goliath crane (L&T Geostructure with Konecranes)
- Role
- At-sea replenishment and support for Indian Navy
- HSL status
- Miniratna Category-I (2025)
- Historic note
- Jala Usha – first ship built in independent India (1948, Visakhapatnam)
Background
- FSS-1 was launched after traditional honours by Laila Swaminathan, President, Navy Wives Wellness Association (NWWA); it entered the Bay of Bengal.
- The ships will have enhanced cargo and fluid capacity, first-line maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck and self-defence systems.
- The Goliath crane spanning Slipways 3 and 4 was designed and built by L&T Geostructure with Konecranes.
- HSL attained Miniratna Category-I status in 2025 after coming under the Ministry of Defence.
- The minister recalled 'Jala Usha', the first ship built in independent India, launched at Visakhapatnam in 1948.
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What is the name of the first Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1) launched at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in October 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Surya
India's first Fleet Support Ship FSS-1 was launched in October 2026 at which shipyard?
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Correct answer: C — Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
At the FSS-1 launch, the Defence Minister recalled which ship as the first ship built in independent India, launched at Visakhapatnam in 1948?
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Correct answer: B — Jala Usha