Indian Navy Showcases Combat Readiness with Successful Anti-Ship Missile Tests Amid Rising Tensions

Indian Navy showcases combat readiness with successful anti-ship missile tests in Arabian Sea post-Pahalgam terror attack. INS Surat achieves MR-SAM milestone, boosting maritime security.

Indian Navy Showcases Combat Readiness with Successful Anti-Ship Missile Tests

New Delhi, April 27, 2025: In a strong display of maritime prowess and operational preparedness, the Indian Navy has successfully conducted multiple anti-ship missile firings in the Arabian Sea, reaffirming its combat readiness amid rising regional tensions.

Following the tragic terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 people, including a Nepali national, lost their lives, the Navy’s swift action sends a clear message about India’s unwavering commitment to national security.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Navy’s official spokesperson shared that the successful firings were aimed at revalidating and demonstrating the operational readiness of naval platforms, weapon systems, and crew members for long-range precision offensive strikes.

“Indian Navy Ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems and crew for long-range precision offensive strike. Indian Navy stands Combat Ready, Credible, and Future Ready in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow,” the Navy posted.

Strengthening Maritime Security

The Indian Navy’s exercises were not merely a show of strength but a strategic maneuver to safeguard India’s maritime interests amid increasing regional instability. Conducted in the Arabian Sea, the drills highlight India’s ability to project power across vital sea lanes and maintain peace in the region.

Adding to this, the indigenous warship INS Surat—the latest guided missile destroyer under Project 15B—achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) system. This achievement is particularly crucial as it took place ahead of a planned surface-to-surface missile test by the Pakistan Navy.

The MR-SAM system, known for its high effectiveness against aerial threats and surface-to-surface missiles, enhances India’s layered air defence capabilities at sea, boosting the Navy’s resilience against evolving threats.

“INS Surat successfully carried out a precision cooperative engagement of a sea-skimming target, marking another milestone in strengthening our defence capabilities,” the Navy wrote on X.

INS Surat: A Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat

INS Surat stands tall as a symbol of India’s push towards self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. As the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B class, it boasts an impressive 75% indigenous content and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor suites and advanced network-centric warfare capabilities.

Designed to operate independently or as part of larger naval task forces, INS Surat’s induction and performance underline India’s rising prowess in indigenous shipbuilding and defence technology.

A Message of Strength and Vigilance

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Navy’s actions highlight the country’s readiness to respond to any threat—be it from land, air, or sea. The coordinated exercises, coupled with successful weapon system validations, serve as a reminder that India remains steadfast in protecting its sovereignty and maintaining stability across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the Indian Navy’s combat exercises reaffirm that India’s maritime shield stands strong, vigilant, and future-ready to meet any challenge.