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Context

• INS Imphal, the newest stealth-guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in a ceremony at the naval dockyard in Mumbai.
• Indian Defence Minister said the INS Imphal shows "India's self-reliance" in the defence sector.
• The warship is capable of holding several weapons and is designed for combat under nuclear, biological and chemical warfare.

Details

• Classification & Series: INS Imphal is the third vessel of the 'Visakhapatnam-class destroyers,' categorized as P-15 Bravo or P-15B, an upgraded version of the P-15A Kolkata-class destroyers.
• Naming Tradition: Named after a city in India's northeast, the decision to name it 'Imphal' was sanctioned in 2019 by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
• Indigenous Content: Over 75% of the ship's components are indigenous, including BrahMos missiles, torpedo tube launchers, and other weapon systems developed by Indian firms.
• Other Vessels in the Class: The Visakhapatnam-class includes INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, INS Imphal, and INS Surat, each representing different regions of Indian states.
• Evolution of Indian Destroyer Program: The INS Imphal is part of India's indigenous guided missile destroyer program that commenced in the 1990s, evolving through Project 15 (Delhi-class), Project 15A (Kolkata-class), and finally, Project 15B—the Visakhapatnam-class.

Warship Specifications

• Advanced Stealth Technology: Known for its advanced stealth and equipped with sophisticated sensors.
• Maximum Speed: Capable of reaching speeds of up to 56 km/h.

Weaponry

• BrahMos Capability: It can launch BrahMos cruise missiles, recognized as the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, deployable from various platforms.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations: Features Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers, and modern surveillance radar for efficient operations.

 

Construction

• Constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), it was launched on 20 April 2019 and started sea trials on 28 April 2023.
• It was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October 2023 and commissioned on 26 December 2023.
• Its construction period from keel laying to readiness for delivery within a few years is notable for a destroyer of its size.

Historical Significance

• The choice of 'Imphal' pays tribute to Manipur's significant role in India's freedom struggle, particularly the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose's INA flag hoisting event in Moirang in 1944.
• It's the first Indian Navy ship named after a city in Northeast India.

Visakhapatnam-Class Destroyers

• Design and Development:
  • These destroyers were designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) to improve features of stealth, automation, and ordnance, derived from the Kolkata-class destroyers.
  • The aim was to minimize developmental time and costs by making incremental changes from the Kolkata-class destroyers.
  • The construction plan involved four destroyers built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) under the Make in India initiative.
• Comparison to Kolkata-Class Destroyers:
  • Various design differences, such as the bridge layout, helicopter traversing system, and placement of sonar equipment.
  • Features a network-centric layout with advanced systems like Ship Data Network (SDN), Automatic Power Management System (APMS), and Combat Management System (CMS).
• Timeline:
  • INS Visakhapatnam was the first vessel commissioned on 21 November 2021.
  • INS Mormugao and INS Imphal followed, with the latter being delivered on 20 October 2023 and commissioned on 26 December 2023.
  • INS Surat, the final vessel, is set to be commissioned in 2024.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The INS Imphal, the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, was named in recognition of: A) Indian freedom fighters during the Quit India Movement B) Indian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Imphal during World War II C) Leaders of the Indian National Congress D) Historical cultural figures of Manipur Answer: B)