Context:
Recently, INS (Indian Naval Ship) Imphal (Pennant D68) has been commissioned into the Indian Navy.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
Dimensions of the Article:
- INS Imphal: A Technologically Advanced Guided Missile Destroyer
- Project 15B: Advancing India’s Destroyer Capabilities
INS Imphal: A Technologically Advanced Guided Missile Destroyer
Introduction:
- INS Imphal is the third vessel in the ‘Project 15 Bravo Vishakhapatnam class’ guided missile destroyers, showcasing advanced naval capabilities.
Launch and Naming:
- Launched and christened as ‘Imphal’ on April 20, 2019, INS Imphal stands as a testament to India’s naval prowess.
Technical Specifications:
- Length: 163m, Breadth: 17m, Displacement: 7,400 tonnes.
- Propulsion: Powered by four Gas Turbines in a Combined Gas and Gas configuration, achieving speeds exceeding 30 knots.
- Armament: Capable of launching the BrahMos cruise missile, world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.
- Warfare Capabilities: Equipped for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical warfare conditions.
Weaponry and Sensors:
- Sophisticated arsenal includes Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rocket launchers, Torpedo launchers, ASW helicopters, radars, sonar, and Electronic Warfare systems.
Strategic Significance:
- Strengthens India’s maritime influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Upholds the principle of “Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya,” emphasizing the power derived from controlling the seas.
- Critical in securing sea lanes, ensuring safe passage for trade vessels, and safeguarding India’s economic interests, particularly in the face of geographical barriers and regional challenges.
Project 15B: Advancing India’s Destroyer Capabilities
Overview:
- Initiated as an indigenous Destroyer construction program in the late 1990s.
- Followed by Delhi class (P-15) and Kolkata class (P-15A) destroyers, leading to the current Project 15B (Visakhapatnam Class).
Scope and Planning:
- Project 15B involves the construction of four advanced destroyers: Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat.
- Success and technological advancements from Project 15A laid the foundation for Project 15B.
Objectives:
- Aims to build advanced variants of the Kolkata class destroyers, now known as Visakhapatnam class.
- Contract signed in January 2011 to enhance capabilities, incorporating technological advancements, and improving weaponry, electronics, and other systems.
Lead Ship:
- INS Visakhapatnam (Pennant No D66) is the lead ship commissioned in November 2021, showcasing the project’s progress.
Successive Ships:
- INS Mormugao (D67) commissioned in December 2022.
- INS Surat (to be designated D69) launched in May 2023.
Design and Construction:
- Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
- Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) in Mumbai.
Technological Advancements:
- Incorporates improvements in weaponry, electronics, and overall systems, building on the capabilities of earlier destroyer classes.
Strategic Significance:
- Strengthens India’s naval capabilities and underscores the nation’s commitment to indigenous defense production.
-Source: Indian Express
