Indian Navy unveils INS Imphal missile destroyer
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 28 2023:
Defence minister Rajnath Singh, in the presence of chief minister N Biren, unveiled the crest of Yard 12706 (Imphal), marking the third of the four Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyers, in a ceremony held in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Imphal's crest design showcases the Kangla Palace on the left and 'Kangla-Sha' on the right.
The Kangla Palace, a revered historical and archaeological site in Manipur, was the traditional seat of the past kingdom.
'Kangla-Sha', a mythical animal from Manipur history, with a dragon's head and lion's body, symbolises the guardian/protector of its people and serves as the state emblem of Manipur.
Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, Imphal stands as a pinnacle of indigenous ship building and ranks among the most technologically advanced warships globally.
The ship was delivered by MDL to the Indian Navy on October 20 .
Imphal, a guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and an overall length of 164 metres, is a potent and versatile platform equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
Powered by Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion, it can achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/hr).
The ship boasts approximately 75 per cent indigenous content, including Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (BEL, Bangalore), BrahMos Surface-to-Surface Missiles (BrahMos Aerospace, New Delhi), Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers (Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai), Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers (Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai), and a 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (BHEL, Haridwar) .
Imphal's keel was laid on May 19, 2017, and it was launched into water on April 20, 2019 .
The ship underwent successful sea trials and was delivered on October 20, 2023, within a record time-frame of six months.
As part of pre-commissioning trials, the ship recently carried out a successful firing of an Extended Range BrahMos missile.
The swift construction and trials affirm the commitment to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
The naming of Indian Naval ships after prominent cities, mountain ranges, rivers, ponds, and islands is a maritime tradition.
Imphal is the first capital warship named after a city in the North-Eastern region, approved by the President on April 16, 2019.Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, and officials from the ministry of defence and Manipur government attended the event.
The Indian Navy is set to commission the guided missile destroyed in December.
INS Imphal is the third ship of the Navy's Project 15B or the Visakhapatnam-class ships.
It is also first warship in India with separate accommodation for women officers and sailors.
said "Honoured to join the unveiling of INS Imphal" .
He added: "This serves as a great achievement for India's maritime capabilities" .
"As the pioneer among Visakhapatnam-class destroyer warships with an upgraded Brahmos missile, INS Imphal embodies cutting-edge capabilities for long-range defence of the nation," the chief minister said, adding: "The inclusion of Kangla Sanathong and Kangla Sha on its emblem pays homage to Manipur's rich military history and identity.
INS Imphal warship, a symbol of strength and heritage, has made us all proud" .
Later in the day, N Biren met the experts' team, who designed the crest of INS Imphal.
"Their dedication has shown the world the identity of Manipur.
The ship, bearing the pride of Manipur, reflects our state's rich history and capabilities.
Together, we are forging a path towards a secure and resilient future," said CM Biren Singh.
Biren also met Manipuri navy officers, who called on him to give a briefing about the INS Imphal in New Delhi on Tuesday.
"Meeting and having an interaction with them as a part of the historic occasion gave me immense pride and joy.
I wish them all the best in their future endeavours", said CM Biren.
The ship was named in recognition of the Indian soldiers who fought in Battle of Imphal during World War II .
(With inputs from agencies) .