The Indian Navy showcased its strength with successful missile exercises in the Arabian Sea. These operations, featuring the guided missile destroyer INS Surat, emphasized India’s growing naval capabilities, especially amid rising regional tensions.
⚡ #FLASH | #IndianNavy ships successfully conduct multiple anti-ship firings, revalidating long-range precision strike capabilities. pic.twitter.com/C76YDtK7T0
On April 24, INS Surat fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile accurately hitting a moving target. Meanwhile, other warships conducted Anti-Ship Missile (AShM) launches, demonstrating their ability to carry out precise strikes.
The MRSAM missile, co-developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries, can intercept threats up to 70 kilometers away. The Navy called INS Surat’s success a “significant milestone” for air defense readiness.
INS Surat, which joined the fleet on January 15, 2025, boasts 75% indigenous content, part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Equipped with advanced missiles and radar, the ship’s performance during the exercises validated both its design and the crew’s readiness for combat.
These missile drills occurred in a tense context. Just before, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam heightened security concerns. Pakistan’s recent naval drills in the Arabian Sea further intensified the backdrop for India’s exercises. The timing indicated India’s intention to project strength and deter potential threats.
In addition, recent concerns arose over the presence of Chinese vessels in the region, prompting a strategic reassessment in New Delhi. India also participates in various naval collaborations, maintaining regional security partnerships, including upcoming exercises with Saudi Arabia.
On forums like X, users expressed pride in the Navy’s capabilities. Many viewed the successful drills as transformative for India’s deterrent capability, reflecting public sentiment on national security.
In summary, these missile exercises underscore the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime security. With more advanced vessels joining the fleet and ongoing readiness drills, India is positioned as a key player in safeguarding its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
For more information on India’s ongoing naval developments, check the official government report.
