The Indian Navy has once again showcased its commitment to the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative with the delivery of the INS Imphal, the third indigenous stealth destroyer of the Project 15B class. This technologically advanced warship, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), represents a significant milestone in India’s naval defense capabilities.

A Proud Achievement for the Indian Navy

The Ins Imphal, named after the capital city of Manipur in Northeast India, is a testament to the growing importance and contribution of the North-Eastern region towards national security and development. With its impressive size and advanced features, the INS Imphal will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities.

Cutting-edge technology and Indigenous Design

Constructed using indigenous steel DMR 249A, the INS Imphal is among the largest destroyers ever built in India. It boasts an overall length of 164 meters and a displacement of over 7,500 tons. This powerful platform has state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including supersonic Surface-to-Surface ‘Brahmos’ missiles and ‘Barak-8’ Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles.

The destroyer also features indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons and sensors, such as the hull-mounted sonar Humsa NG, heavy-weight torpedo tube launchers, and ASW rocket launchers. The INS Imphal can fight enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles, and fighter planes. It can also work without any other ships to help it and be the leader of a naval task force.

Accommodating Women Officers and Sailors

One notable feature of the INS Imphal is its accommodation for women officers and sailors, making it the first naval warship in India to have this capability. This development is a significant step towards gender inclusivity and reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to diversity and equality.

Impressive Performance and Speed

The Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant (COGAG) of four reversible gas engines gives the INS Imphal its power. Over 30 knots, or 55 km/h, is the fastest speed it can hit. The ship can go on long missions in out-of-area activities thanks to its endurance of 4,000 nautical miles.

High Level of Automation

The INS Imphal features a high level of automation, incorporating sophisticated digital networks like the Gigabyte Ethernet-based Ship Data Network (GESDN), Combat Management System (CMS), Automatic Power Management System (APMS), and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). These advanced systems enhance the ship’s operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Indigenous Content and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Program

The P15B class destroyers, including the INS Imphal, have a remarkable indigenous content of 72%. This surpasses the indigenous range of their predecessors, the P15A and P15 class destroyers, highlighting the Indian government’s focus on the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) program. This commitment to indigenous development is crucial for national security and contributes to the growth and development of the country’s ecosystem of sub-vendors.

Commissioning and Future Plans

The INS Imphal is a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet, following the commissioning of its predecessors, the INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao. The fourth ship of the Project 15B class, the INS Surat, is currently undergoing advanced stage outfitting. These destroyers and the previous courses of frigates and submarines constructed by MDL demonstrate the shipbuilder’s commitment to the nation’s progressive indigenous warship and submarine-building program.

The first destroyer ship of India

The first destroyer ship of India was the INS Rajput. It was commission in 1980 and belonged to the Rajput class of destroyers in the Indian Navy. The Rajput-class destroyers were built in the Soviet Union and play a crucial role in the Indian Navy’s fleet. These destroyers were armed with advance weaponry and could defend against various threats. The INS Rajput, along with other destroyers in the Indian Navy, contributed to the protection of larger vessels and the defense of the nation’s maritime interests.

India’s strongest destroyer

India’s most potent destroyer is the INS Kolkata, the lead ship of the Kolkata-class destroyers. Commission in 2014, the INS Kolkata is equip with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, making it one of the most advanced destroyers in the Indian Navy’s fleet. It is power by a gas turbine propulsion system, enabling it to achieve high speeds. The INS Kolkata has various surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. With its advanced capabilities and robust design, the INS Kolkata plays a vital role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and ensuring national security. 

FAQ’s

1. When was INS Imphal commissioned?

INS Imphal, the third indigenous stealth destroyer of the Project 15B class, was commission by the Indian Navy.

2. What is the capacity of INS Imphal?

INS Imphal can accommodate a crew of 312 and has accommodation for women officers and sailors.

3. What is the endurance of INS Imphal?

INS Imphal has an endurance of 4,000 nautical miles, allowing it to carry out missions lasting up to 42 days.

4. What weapons does INS Imphal have?

INS Imphal is armed with Brahmos and Barak-8 missiles and anti-submarine weapons and sensors.

5. What propulsion system does INS Imphal use?

INS Imphal is propelled by a powerful Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.

6. What is the level of automation at INS Imphal?

INS Imphal has a high level of automation, enhancing its operational efficiency and reducing the workload for the crew.

7. What is the indigenous content in the P15B-Class destroyers?

The indigenous content in the P15B-Class destroyers, including INS Imphal, is 72%.

The INS Imphal represents a remarkable achievement for the Indian Navy and the country’s indigenous shipbuilding industry. With its cutting-edge technology, indigenous design, and impressive combat capabilities, this stealth destroyer is a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense. As the Indian Navy continues to strengthen its maritime prowess, the INS Imphal will play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s interests in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

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