Crest of Navy warship 'Surat' unveiled
: The ceremony held on November 6 in Surat witnessed the unveiling of the crest for the newest guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, 'Surat'. In attendance were Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, and other senior officers.
Gujarat CM Unveils Crest of Indian Navy warship 'Surat'
The crest of the latest warship 'Surat' in the Indian Navy was unveiled in the city of Surat by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and senior officers at the ceremony highlighted its importance. This event marked the first instance where a warship's crest was revealed in the city after which it was named, signifying a significant maritime recognition.
“Currently, the Surat warship is under construction at Mazagaon Docks Ltd, Mumbai. The commissioning of the warship will be done next year and we hope that the ship comes to Hazira port, so that people of Surat can see it,” Chief of Naval Staff R. Hari Kumar said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had launched this indigenously constructed ship, which is a guided missile destroyer, in March last year at Mumbai.
Crest of 'Surat' Warship Details & Symbolism
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The crest symbolizes Surat's maritime heritage, featuring the renowned Hazira lighthouse from 1836 at the southern entrance of Khambhat, representing strength and majesty.
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The first time a Gujarat city was honored by naming a warship after it, the event paid homage to Surat's historical significance and shipbuilding legacy.
'Surat' Warship and Project 15B (Visakhapatnam Class)
The 'Surat' warship is the latest addition to the Project 15B (Visakhapatnam Class), a crucial program building the next-gen stealth guided missile destroyers for the Indian Navy. It's the fourth and final ship in this project, signifying a big leap in India's naval technology and military strength. Designed in India, the 'Surat' is advanced and equipped with modern naval technologies, strengthening the country's defense and strategic interests.
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'Surat' is part of the indigenously designed Project 15B, being the fourth destroyer in the series. It signifies a remarkable advancement in naval technology.
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This warship, along with Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Imphal, forms a formidable fleet with BrahMos Supersonic Cruise missiles and advanced weaponry.
Future Plans and Significance of 'Surat' Warship
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The naval chief, R. Hari Kumar, anticipated the commissioning of 'Surat' in the following year and expressed hopes for the ship to visit Hazira port for public viewing.
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'Surat' holds historical importance as a crucial maritime trade link from the 16th to 18th centuries, boasting a vibrant shipbuilding center and a heritage of sturdy vessels with long service lives.
Gujarat's Maritime Significance and Naval Pride
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Surat's maritime prominence and its role as a trade hub with ships from 84 countries underscored its rich history in shipbuilding and trade.
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The decision to name the technologically advanced warship after Surat aligns with naval tradition and highlights the city's maritime legacy.
Indian Navy's Progress and 'Make in India' Initiative
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The Indian Navy, once a small fleet at Independence, has evolved into a robust and future-ready force, with numerous warships under construction.
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'Make in India' and 'Atma Nirbharta' initiatives have significantly contributed to the Navy's growth, with 65 out of 67 warships currently under construction in Indian shipyards.
Reflection on Surat's Maritime Heritage
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The vessels built in Surat during the 16th to 18th century were renowned for their durability, some serving for over a century, reflecting the city's shipbuilding expertise.
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The naming of the most technologically advanced warship after Surat stands as a tribute to its maritime legacy and historical significance.
The unveiling of 'Surat' warship's crest in its namesake city not only celebrates Surat's maritime history but also acknowledges the city's heritage in shipbuilding and trade, aligning with naval tradition and emphasizing the growing indigenous naval advancements in India.
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