IMPHAL – 3rd Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B delivered to the Indian Navy

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has delivered the third Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B Class Guided Missile Destroyer, named “IMPHAL,” to the Indian Navy. This marks another significant milestone in India’s naval capabilities. The ship is constructed using Indigenous Steel DMR 249A and is among the largest destroyers built in India, with an overall length of 164 meters and a displacement of over 7500 tons.

Key highlights of the IMPHAL Stealth Destroyer:

1. Versatile Capabilities: The IMPHAL is a highly capable platform designed to perform various tasks and missions across the spectrum of maritime warfare. It is equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors for surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
2. Weaponry: The destroyer is armed with supersonic Surface-to-Surface ‘Brahmos’ missiles and ‘Barak-8’ Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, enhancing its capabilities in dealing with different threats.
3. Anti-Submarine Warfare: For undersea warfare capabilities, the destroyer features indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons and sensors, including the Hull-mounted Sonar Humsa NG, Heavyweight Torpedo Tube Launchers, and ASW Rocket Launchers.
4. Independence and Flagship Role: The IMPHAL is more versatile than previous destroyer and frigate classes in the Indian Navy. It can operate independently without the need for supporting vessels and can serve as the flagship of a naval task force.
5. Early Delivery: The ship has been delivered to the Indian Navy more than four months ahead of the contractual schedule, highlighting MDL’s commitment to continuous improvement and exceeding global benchmarks. It successfully completed all sea trials, including the firing of major critical weapons.
6. Gender Inclusion: IMPHAL is the first naval warship in the Indian Navy that accommodates women officers and sailors.
7. Crew and Endurance: The ship can accommodate a crew of 312 persons, has an endurance of 4000 nautical miles, and can carry out a typical 42-day mission with extended mission time during out-of-area operations.
8. Propulsion and Speed: The destroyer is propelled by a Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant (COGAG) consisting of four reversible Gas Turbines, enabling it to achieve a speed of over 30 knots (approximately 55 km/h).
9. High Automation: The ship boasts a high level of automation with sophisticated digital networks for data management, combat, power, and platform management.
10. Indigenous Content: The P15B Class Destroyers have a significant indigenous content of 72%, reflecting India’s focus on the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) program.

The delivery of the IMPHAL destroyer enhances the Indian Navy’s capabilities and strengthens its naval presence and deterrence power. It is part of a series of ships in the Project 15B Class Guided Missile Destroyer program, which signifies India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense and indigenous naval shipbuilding.