INS Imphal, a Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of India’s Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh at an impressive ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on December 26, 2023.
Notably, the event marks the formal induction of the third of four indigenous ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, being designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister described INS Imphal as a shining example of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-Reliance) in defence and a reflection of the commitment of Indian Navy, MDL & all other stakeholders towards national security.
Besides, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Director (Finance) with Additional Charge of Chairman & Managing Director, MDL Shri Sanjeev Singhal were among those who attended the commissioning ceremony.
Prior to the commissioning of INS Imphal, two destroyers of the same class INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao were commissioned into the Navy in 2021 & 2022 respectively.
While, the fourth Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer ‘Surat’ will be commissioned in 2024.
Noteworthy, the time taken to build INS Imphal and undergo trials has been the shortest for any indigenous destroyer.
With 75% indigenous content, enhanced stealth features & state-of-the-art equipment, the ship will further strengthen India’s maritime power & safeguard national interests
In addition, many start-ups and MSMEs has also been involved in its construction.
The induction of INS Imphal will augment the Navy’s mobility, reach and flexibility in safeguarding the nation’s maritime security and interests.
About stealth guided missile destroyer INS Imphal
INS Imphal is the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyer (project 15B) of the Indian Navy.
Its keel was laid on May 19, 2017 and the ship was launched on April 20, 2019.
The ship sailed for her maiden sea sortie on April 28, 2023, and underwent comprehensive trials in harbour & at sea, with its delivery on October 20, 2023 marking a record time frame of less than six months.
The ship successfully completed the first-ever test-firing of extended range Brahmos missile prior to its commissioning, making it ‘weapon-ready’.
The ship has a total complement of about 315 personnel, and is commanded by Captain KK Choudhury, a Gunnery and Missiles specialist.
INS Imphal measures 163m in length, 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and is amongst the most potent warships built in India.
Further, it is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas & Gas configuration, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.
Also, worth mentioning that the stealth guided missile destroyer has been equipped with various indigenous technologies.
INS Imphal has enhanced stealth features resulting in a reduced Radar Cross Section, achieved through efficient shaping of hull, full beam superstructure design, plated masts and use of radar transparent material on exposed decks.
Besides, it is armed with sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rocket launchers & Torpedo launchers, ASW helicopters, radars, sonar and Electronic Warfare systems.
Also, the ship is equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare conditions.
A unique feature of this ship is the high level of indigenisation of about 75%.
The indigenous equipment/systems include Combat Management System, Rocket Launcher, Torpedo Launcher, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System, Foldable Hangar Doors, Helo Traversing system, Close-in Weapon System, and the Bow-mounted SONAR.
Notably, Brahmos Aerospace installed Brahmos missile on the ship; while the torpedo tube launchers on the destroyers are of Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Moreover, the Rapid Gun Mount has been installed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and Medium Range missiles by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Source: https://pib.gov.in
