INS Surat test fires surface-to-air missile amid tensions with Pakistan after Pahalgam attack

Amid the heightened tensions with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were dead, the Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INS Surat successfully test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile. According to the Navy, this marks a major milestone for the force in strengthening its defence capabilities.

The missile has a range of around 70 km.

INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world. It is the first Artificial Intelligence-enabled warship in the Indian Navy and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.

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"The Indian Navy's latest indigenous guided missile destroyer INS Surat has successfully carried out a precision cooperative engagement of a sea-skimming target, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Navy's defence capabilities," the Indian Navy said.

The Navy claimed that this achievement demonstrates the country's growing prowess in indigenous warship design, development, and operations, and underscores the nation's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

According to the Navy, the "milestone" is a "testament" to the force's "unwavering commitment" to safeguarding the nation's maritime interests and its dedication to a self-reliant India.