Warship Imphal handed over to Indian Navy
Source: Chronicle News Service / PIB
New Delhi, October 20 2023:
Imphal (Yard 12706), the third Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), has been officially delivered to the Indian Navy on Friday.
This Project is a continuation of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers, which were commissioned in the last decade.
Imphal follows in the footsteps of her predecessors, Indian Naval Ships Visakhapatnam and Mormugao, which were commissioned in the past two years.
This remarkable vessel was designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and expertly built by M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai.
It stands as a testament to indigenous shipbuilding and is recognised as one of the most technologically advanced war ships worldwide.
With a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and an overall length of 164 metres, Imphal is a highly capable and versatile platform, equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and state-of-the-art sensors, including surface-to air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system, comprising four gas turbines, it can achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h) .
The vessel proudly boasts an indigenous content of around 75 per cent, which includes Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (manufactured by BEL in Bangalore), BrahMos Surface-to-Surface Missiles (produced by BrahMos Aerospace in New Delhi), Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers (manufactured by Larsen & Toubro in Mumbai), Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers (also produced by Larsen & Toubro in Mumbai), and a 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (manufactured by BHEL in Haridwar) .
The keel of the Imphal was laid on May 19, 2017, and the ship was launched into the water on April 20, 2019 .
Following this, the vessel conducted its maiden sea trials on April 28, 2023.Subsequently, it underwent a comprehensive series of trials both in harbour and at sea, culminating in its delivery within a record timeframe of just six months.
This timeframe stands as the shortest for any indigenous destroyer.