Commissioning of INS Imphal

INS Imphal officially joined the Indian Navy during a commissioning ceremony in Mumbai on Tuesday, December 26. The Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, emphasized that the Commissioning of INS Imphal to the Indian Navy will significantly enhance India’s maritime capabilities. He highlighted that the induction of INS Imphal underscores India’s self-sufficiency in the defense sector.

INS Imphal, marked as Pennant D68, is the third warship in a set of four as part of Project 15B. This project encompasses the development of the Visakhapatnam class stealth-guided missile destroyers. The INS Imphal has been commissioned into the Indian Navy on Tuesday, December 26.

Let’s explore the essential details about the Visakhapatnam class, including its technological advancements, weaponry, and strategic importance, making it the latest addition to the lineage of indigenous destroyers following the Delhi and Kolkata classes.

Understanding Project 15B:

Project 15B follows the commissioning of three guided missile destroyers, INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai, under Project 15A between 2014 and 2016. These ships represented an advancement beyond the Delhi class ships—INS Delhi, INS Mysore, and INS Mumbai—commissioned under Project 15 from 1997 to 2001.

Shipbuilder and Ship Class:

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL), a key Defense Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has constructed all these ships. A ship class refers to a group of ships built with similar tonnage, usage, capabilities, and weaponry.

Project 15B Contract:

To construct advanced variants of the Kolkata class guided missile destroyers, a contract was signed in January 2011 under Project 15B. The lead ship, INS Visakhapatnam (Pennant No D66), joined the Indian Navy in November 2021, followed by the second ship, INS Mormugao (D67), in December 2022. The fourth ship, D69, set to be named INS Surat upon commissioning, was launched in May of the preceding year.

10 Points About Commissioning of INS Imphal – India’s New Warship

Visakhapatnam-class Design:

INS Imphal is the third warship in the Visakhapatnam-class, developed by the Indian Navy. These destroyers are upgraded versions of the Kolkata-class destroyers.

Northeast Connection:

It’s the first warship named after a northeastern city, with approval granted in 2019 by then-President Ram Nath Kovind.

Stealth-Guided Missile Destroyer:

INS Imphal holds the distinction of being the most advanced stealth-guided missile destroyer, featuring cutting-edge weapons and sensors.

Impressive Speed:

Capable of reaching a top speed of 56 km/hr, INS Imphal is a swift and agile vessel.

BrahMos Missile Capability:

The warship can launch the BrahMos cruise missile, the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, with versatile launch options.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities:

Designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare, INS Imphal boasts indigenous Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers, and modern surveillance radar.

High Indigenous Content:

With 75% indigenous content, including the BrahMos missile and other weapon systems, INS Imphal showcases India’s capability in developing advanced naval technology.

Swift Construction and Trials:

The construction and sea trials of INS Imphal set a record for the shortest duration for a destroyer. From keel laying in 2017 to delivery in 2023, it underwent rapid development.

Historical Tribute:

The decision to name the destroyer after Imphal pays homage to Manipur’s historical significance in the Indian freedom struggle, the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose’s INA flag hoisting in 1944.

Visakhapatnam-class Companions:

INS Imphal joins other destroyers in the Visakhapatnam class, representing different regions like Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Surat. Destroyers rank just below aircraft carriers in terms of capabilities and operational significance.

India’s journey in guided missile destroyers, from the Delhi-class to the Kolkata-class, and now the Visakhapatnam-class with Commissioning of INS Imphal, reflects advancements in indigenous naval technology since the 1990s

In summary, Commissioning of INS Imphal represents a significant milestone in the development of indigenous destroyers, showcasing India’s commitment to maritime capabilities and technological advancements in the defense sector.

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