In a significant milestone showcasing the country’s commitment to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative, the Indian Navy took delivery of the Project 15B guided missile destroyer, Imphal, today. This marks a notable achievement in indigenous shipbuilding and fortifying India’s maritime capabilities in the Indian Ocean region, especially as China continues to expand its influence in the area.
INS Imphal (D 68) belongs to the Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile destroyer. It was christened in honor of the Indian soldiers who valiantly fought in the Battle of Imphal during World War II.
Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October, 2023.
— PIB India (@PIB_India) October 20, 2023
The Project is a follow-on of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers commissioned in… pic.twitter.com/4EbtOwsHhm
Imphal, the third Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyer, was constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai and was officially handed over to the Indian Navy on October 20, 2023. This event bolsters India’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing and maritime dominance. Imphal joins the Indian Navy’s fleet, following the commissioning of her predecessors, INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao, in the past two years.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, this vessel has a displacement of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 164 meters. Imphal is a versatile weapons platform equipped with a range of weaponry and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes. The ship is powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system consisting of four gas turbines, enabling it to reach speeds of over 30 knots (56 km per hour).
It is worth noting that approximately 75% of its components are made in India. These include medium-range surface-to-air missiles from BEL in Bangalore, BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles by BrahMos Aerospace in New Delhi, indigenous torpedo tube launchers crafted by Larsen & Toubro in Mumbai, anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers also from Larsen & Toubro, and a 76mm super rapid gun mount manufactured by BHEL in Haridwar.
Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India has developed the capability to build ships tailored to specific requirements. This initiative reduces dependence on spares from foreign suppliers and allows for easier maintenance, repair, and overhaul in domestic facilities.
The keel for INS Imphal was laid on May 19, 2017, and the ship was launched into the water on April 20, 2019. Following its maiden sea trials on April 28, 2023, and a series of harbor and sea trials, the vessel was delivered within six months.
The Indian government, under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, has displayed a strong intent to minimize dependence on foreign defense imports and promote a robust domestic defense industry. The induction of the Imphal destroyer is the result of collaborative efforts from various indigenous stakeholders, marking a significant step toward enhancing India’s maritime strength and influence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region.
Imphal’s technology, indigenous components, and construction are a testament to India’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. This vessel is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
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