New Delhi: In response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has taken five strong measures against Pakistan, including halting the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari border. These steps have left Pakistan visibly rattled. In a bid to showcase its military preparedness, Pakistan began working on testing a surface-to-surface missile. However, before it could proceed, India showcased its own strength with a powerful demonstration by the Indian Navy.
The Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer INS Surat successfully conducted a test of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) defense system over the Arabian Sea. The destroyer accurately intercepted and destroyed a fast-moving aerial target, underlining India’s advanced air defense capabilities.
A Show of Strength in the Arabian Sea
The Indian Navy announced the successful test on social media platform X, stating:
“The Indian Navy’s latest indigenously built guided missile destroyer INS Surat has successfully engaged a sea-skimming target, marking another milestone in strengthening our defense capabilities.”
In an official statement, the Navy emphasized that the test marks a significant step in enhancing maritime defense strength. The successful engagement demonstrated INS Surat’s precision and capability in neutralizing airborne threats.
A Symbol of Indigenous Strength and Self-Reliance
INS Surat is the fourth and final ship under the Project 15B guided missile destroyer program. One of the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world, INS Surat features 75% indigenous content and is equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, sensors, and network-centric capabilities.
A Navy spokesperson highlighted that this achievement reflects India’s growing capabilities in indigenous warship design, development, and operation. It also reinforces the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Earlier, Indian Navy ships INS Chennai and INS Kesari had departed from Dar es Salaam following the successful completion of the first edition of the AIKEYME naval exercise. According to the Navy, the ships set sail from there on April 19.
This recent MR-SAM test not only underscores India’s technological advancement but also sends a strong message of preparedness amid heightened regional tensions.