INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON
OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS

 
SP Guide Publications puts forth a well compiled articulation of issues, pursuits and accomplishments of the Indian Army, over the years

— General Manoj Pande, Indian Army Chief

 
 
I am confident that SP Guide Publications would continue to inform, inspire and influence.

— Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Indian Navy Chief

My compliments to SP Guide Publications for informative and credible reportage on contemporary aerospace issues over the past six decades.

— Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, Indian Air Force Chief
       

Crest Unveiling Ceremony Surat Indian Navy's Project 15B Warship

November 4, 2023 Photo(s): By X / SpokespersonMoD, X / indiannavy
The crest of Indian Navy's latest, under-construction, guided missile destroyer Surat unveiled by Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, at a vibrant ceremony in the city of Surat, in presence of Admiral R. Hari Kumar CNS & senior dignitaries.

The crest of Indian Navy's latest, under-construction, guided missile destroyer 'Surat', was unveiled by Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, at a vibrant ceremony in the city of Surat, in presence of Admiral R. Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and senior dignitaries and officials from the State Government and the Indian Navy.

The crest of Surat depicts the famous lighthouse at Hazira (Surat), located at southern entrance of the Gulf of Khambhat. Built in 1836, this lighthouse was one of the first lighthouses in India. The Asiatic lion on the crest, which is also the state animal of Gujarat, symbolises the ship’s majesty and strength. Equipped with the latest advancements in naval warfare technology and combat capabilities, the warship Surat stands as a powerful embodiment of the navy’s commitment to maritime security and national defence. This is well depicted by the wavy sea depicted on the crest. On the threshold of joining the Indian Navy’s fleet, Surat promises to serve as a formidable sentinel, safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontiers and upholding its strategic interests in the region.

The crest of Surat - the fourth Project 15B Destroyer, unveiled by Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, depicts the lighthouse at Hazira (Surat), one of the first lighthouses in India & the Asiatic Lion, which is also the state animal of Gujarat.

Named after the vibrant city of Surat, renowned for its rich maritime history and shipbuilding legacy, the warship Surat also embodies the enterprising and self-reliant spirit of its namesake.

The fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers, Surat represents a remarkable leap in naval technology and capabilities. The ship has been constructed using innovative block construction methodology, wherein the ship's hull has been assiduously assembled at distinct geographical locations before being integrated at the Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. While also highlighting intricate precision and engineering excellence, this methodology underscores the growing refinement of India’s shipbuilding prowess.

Crest of guided missile destroyer Surat

Project 15B follows the success of the Project 15A (Kolkata Class) and serves as a testament to India’s steadily growing naval prowess. Construction of the warship Surat exemplifies the nation’s dedication to indigenous cutting-edge maritime technology and commitment to strategic military advancements.

Slated to join active service next year Surat and her able bodied crew will serve the nation proudly in the decades to come. In addition to the Chief Minister and the Chief of Naval Staff, the vibrant ceremony of the unveiling of the ship’s crest was attended by VAdm Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western naval Command, RAdm Anil Jaggi, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area, senior officers of the Indian Navy and several luminaries of Surat city from the political and commercial fields.