India launches first indigenous fleet support ship, signs new BrahMos contract

India launched Surya, the first of five fleet support ships being built by Hindustan Shipyard, on October 6 and laid the keel for the fifth vessel during the same event. The ships will replenish naval units at sea with fuel and supplies, provide maintenance support and operate multirole helicopters, alongside their self-defence equipment. Separately, the defence ministry signed a ₹6.62 billion contract with BrahMos Aerospace for naval fire-control and launcher systems. That agreement equips additional frontline warships with the supporting equipment for BrahMos operations, rather than representing a disclosed purchase of that value in missiles themselves.