INS Imphal Commissioned into Indian Navy, Features and Significance

The Indian Navy commissioned the INS Imphal, a stealth-guided missile destroyer, on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. The ship is named after the capital of Manipur and is the first indigenous stealth-guided missile destroyer.

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INS Imphal

INS Imphal is a guided missile destroyer warship of the Indian Navy. It is the third ship of the Navy’s Project 15B or Visakhapatnam-class. The ship was launched on April 20, 2019, and delivered to the Indian Navy on October 20, 2023.

As a guided missile destroyer, INS Imphal is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and technology, underscoring its role as a versatile and powerful asset for the Indian Navy. Its capabilities are integral to enhancing the country’s maritime defense capabilities and ensuring the security of its coastal waters.

Features of INS Imphal

• Visakhapatnam Class Characteristics:
  • Recognized as one of the most advanced ship classes in the Indian Navy.
  • Capable of independent offensive operations.
• Arsenal Highlights:
  • BrahMos surface-to-surface cruise missiles.
  • Vertically launched Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles.
  • 127 mm main gun.
  • AK-630 30mm guns for close-point engagement.
  • Indigenously developed 533 mm torpedo launchers.
  • RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers.
• Strategic Role of Destroyers:
  • Vital in naval operations, safeguarding fleets and carrier battle groups.
  • Effective defense against short-range attackers.
• Operational Independence:
  • Capable of operating independently.
• Network-Centric Warfare:
  • Well-equipped for network-centric warfare.
  • Utilizes information technology and computer networking tools.
• Enhanced Situational Awareness:
  • Focus on leveraging technology for improved situational awareness.
• Operational Effectiveness:
  • Designed for optimal operational effectiveness in diverse naval scenarios.

What is Project 15B?

Project 15B represents a significant advancement in the Indian Navy’s fleet modernization efforts. Following the commissioning of three Kolkata-class guided missile destroyers (INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai) under Project 15A between 2014 and 2016, the Navy embarked on Project 15B to develop more sophisticated variants.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL), a crucial player in India’s Defense Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), undertook the construction of these advanced vessels. The Kolkata-class destroyers had already demonstrated a leap forward from their predecessors, the Delhi-class ships (INS Delhi, INS Mysore, and INS Mumbai), commissioned between 1997 and 2001 under Project 15.

Project 15B, initiated with a contract signed in January 2011, aimed to further enhance the capabilities of the guided missile destroyers. The lead ship of Project 15B, INS Visakhapatnam (Pennant No D66), was successfully commissioned into the Indian Navy in November 2021, showcasing the technological prowess achieved through this project. Following closely, the second ship, INS Mormugao (D67), joined the fleet in December 2022, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to a modern and potent maritime force.

The design of these advanced destroyers is the result of collaboration between the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and MDSL, with construction taking place in Mumbai. Notably, the four ships of Project 15B are named after major cities representing all four corners of the country—Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat. The class is identified by its lead ship, INS Visakhapatnam, and each vessel is equipped with cutting-edge technology, making them vital assets in India’s maritime defense strategy.

Significance of INS Imphal

• Cutting-edge Technology: INS Imphal boasts advanced technology for enhanced naval capabilities.
• Versatile Operational Role: As a guided missile destroyer, it engages diverse threats, including ships, submarines, and aircraft.
• Strategic Unity: Named after Imphal, it represents geographic diversity and national unity in naval assets.
• Naval Fleet Modernization: INS Imphal is part of Project 15B, contributing to the modernization of India’s naval fleet.
• National Defense Posture: Its commissioning reinforces India’s commitment to a robust defense posture.
• Collaboration and Expertise: Built in collaboration with the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, showcasing indigenous expertise.
• Strategic Maritime Projection: INS Imphal contributes to India’s strategic maritime projection, ensuring maritime security.

INS Imphal UPSC

The INS Imphal, commissioned on December 26, 2023, is the first indigenous stealth guided missile destroyer of the Visakhapatnam class, representing a pinnacle in Indian naval prowess. As part of Project 15B, it incorporates cutting-edge technology, including BrahMos missiles and Barak-8 air defense systems. Strategically vital, it safeguards fleets, operates independently, and enhances India’s maritime defense. Project 15B, initiated in 2011, signifies a leap in fleet modernization, with INS Visakhapatnam commissioned in 2021 and INS Mormugao in 2022. INS Imphal’s significance lies in its contribution to naval modernization, collaboration, and reinforcing India’s maritime security posture.

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