Introduction to INS Surat and Exercise Aakraman

  • INS Surat is a Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile destroyer which is a part of Project 15B.
  • This impressive vessel was developed indigenously by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., located in Mumbai.
  • 'Exercise Aakraman' is an operational readiness drill conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), involving their Rafale fighter squadrons.

 

Key Objectives and Significance

  • The main objective of INS Surat project and 'Exercise Aakraman' is enhancing India's maritime strike capability, coastal defence preparedness and to test precision strike capabilities respectively.
  • These strategic moves underscore India's escalating military preparedness.

 

Unique Features of INS Surat

  • INS Surat is equipped with Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) with the capacity to intercept aerial threats up to approximately 70 km away.
  • BrahMos Cruise Missiles are onboard for long-range precision strikes.
  • Furthermore, it features advanced radar & combat systems and a contemporary stealth design which makes it elusive to enemy surveillance and detection.

 

Functions of INS Surat

  • The vessel can intercept sea-skimming targets, thus destroying low-flying hostile projectiles and drones over water.
  • It's well-equipped for continuous coastal surveillance, contributing to maritime security and threat detection.
  • Also, it provides a layered defence for naval task forces against air and missile attacks.
  • It's armed for offensive strike operations to engage enemy naval assets and coastal installations with cruise missiles.

 

Details about Exercise Aakraman

  • 'Exercise Aakraman' is held in the Central sector and spans diverse terrains including plains and mountains.
  • With participation from IAF's Rafale fighter squadrons from Ambala and Hashimara bases, the exercise aims to evaluate combat readiness and simulate high-intensity wartime operations.
  • Advanced munitions like Meteor, Rampage, and Rocks are used in this exercise to significantly test their precision strike capabilities.

These manoeuvres elevate India's military readiness to a new level of sophistication and precision and demonstrate its preparedness to defend its maritime and coastal interests effectively.