The city of Surat has recently celebrated a significant milestone with the inaugural arrival of INS Surat, the Indian Navy’s cutting-edge guided-missile destroyer, at Hazira Port. This historic event was met with enthusiasm and pride from both local residents and naval personnel, marking a notable connection between the warship and the city it represents.
INS Surat, part of the Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B), stands out as India’s first artificial intelligence-enabled warship. After an impressive construction period of 31 months and rapid sea trials, the destroyer was delivered in December 2024, showcasing a remarkable advancement in naval technology and shipbuilding efficiency.
The arrival of INS Surat was celebrated with a ceremonial welcome at Hazira Port, a prominent multi-cargo hub in South Gujarat managed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd. The event attracted large crowds, particularly after the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) advocated for public access to the vessel. This opportunity allowed citizens a rare chance to view one of India’s most advanced naval platforms up close.
INS Surat’s crest features the historic Hazira lighthouse, constructed in 1836, which pays tribute to the city’s rich maritime heritage and its strategic coastal position near the Gulf of Khambhat. This emblematic detail underscores the destroyer’s profound connection to Surat, embodying both tradition and the pinnacle of modern naval engineering.
The visit of INS Surat not only serves as a demonstration of India’s advancements in naval capabilities but also reinforces the city’s enduring bond with the sea—a relationship that the namesake destroyer continues to carry across distant waters.
