Context
INS Surya, the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS), has been flagged off by the Defence Minister.
About the Fleet Support Ship
- A Fleet Support Ship is a naval auxiliary vessel designed to provide logistical support to operational warships.
- INS Surya is the first of five such vessels being constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
- The ship has approximately 82% indigenous content.
Replenishment at Sea
- INS Surya is designed to undertake Replenishment at Sea (RAS), enabling naval vessels to receive essential supplies without returning to port.
- Its stores include high-speed diesel, aviation turbine fuel, fresh water, ammunition, provisions and other supplies.
- The vessel can carry:
- 20,000 tonnes of high-speed diesel
- 2,500 tonnes of aviation turbine fuel
- 1,000 tonnes of fresh water
Other Operational Roles
- The ship can support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
- It can undertake personnel evacuation during accidents and other emergencies.
FAQs
Q1. What is the primary function of a Fleet Support Ship?
Ans: Its primary function is to provide logistical support to deployed naval forces, allowing operational vessels to remain at sea for longer periods.
Q2. What does RAS stand for?
Ans: RAS stands for Replenishment at Sea, through which essential supplies are transferred between vessels during maritime operations.
Q3. Which shipyard is associated with the INS Surya programme?
Ans: The vessels are being constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
Q4. How many Fleet Support Ships are planned under the programme?
Ans: The programme comprises five Fleet Support Ships, with INS Surya being the first.
Q5. What is the indigenous content of INS Surya?
Ans: Approximately 82% of the ship is indigenous.
Q6. What does HADR mean?
Ans: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) refers to assistance provided during humanitarian emergencies and natural or other disasters.
