Context
- Recently, the Defence Minister launched Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1), named ‘Surya’, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
What is a Fleet Support Ship (FSS)?
- A Fleet Support Ship is a naval logistics vessel designed to replenish warships at sea.
- It can provide fuel, fresh water, ammunition and stores, allowing naval vessels to remain deployed for longer without returning to port.
- Thus, FSS strengthens the Navy’s operational endurance, mobility and reach, particularly during extended operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Key Features of FSS-1 ‘Surya’
- First of five Fleet Support Ships being built for the Indian Navy.
- Designed and built indigenously by HSL.
- Approximately 43,500 tonnes.
- Equipped with:
- First-line maintenance workshops
- Helicopter deck for Multi-Role Helicopter operations
- Self-defence systems
- The ships are intended to strengthen India’s Blue Water Navy capability.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1) ‘Surya’:
1. It is designed to replenish warships at sea with fuel, fresh water, ammunition and other stores.
2. It is the first of five Fleet Support Ships being built for the Indian Navy.
3. It is being indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited at Visakhapatnam.
4. Its primary role is to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Fleet Support Ships are replenishment vessels. They supply fuel, fresh water, ammunition, provisions and spares to warships at sea, which lets the fleet stay deployed far from base for longer.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Navy ordered five FSS under a contract signed in 2023, and FSS-1 is the first of the class.
• Statement 3 is correct: The ships are being built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat / Make in India push. HSL reportedly worked with a foreign design partner, so "indigenous" here refers to the build and the government's framing, not a fully foreign-free design.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: An FSS is a logistics and replenishment vessel, not a combat platform. Anti-submarine warfare is done by ASW corvettes, destroyers, frigates and ASW aircraft.