INS Imphal

• 28 Dec 2023

For Prelims: INS Imphal, Indian Navy, INS Surat, BrahMos cruise missile, Project 15B.

For Mains: Defence technologies, Maritime security

Source: HT

Why in News?

Recently, INS (Indian Naval Ship) Imphal (Pennant D68) has been commissioned into the Indian Navy.

What is INS Imphal?

• About:
  • INS Imphal is the third of the four 'Project 15 Bravo Vishakhapatnam class' guided missile destroyers.
    • The fourth will be named INS Surat.
  • INS Imphal is among "the most technologically advanced guided missile destroyers in the world.
  • It was launched and "christened" as 'Imphal" on 20th April, 2019.
• Features:
  • The ship measures 163m in length, and 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and is amongst the most potent warships built in India.
  • It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas configuration, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.
  • It is capable of launching the BrahMos cruise missile, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile.
  • The ship is also equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare conditions.
  • It is armed with sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rocket launchers and Torpedo launchers, ASW helicopters, radars, sonar and Electronic Warfare systems.
• Significance:
  • The ship reinforces the principle of "Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya," signifying that controlling the seas grants immense power. In the Indo-Pacific region, where multiple powers vie for influence, INS Imphal contributes to India's efforts to establish itself as a significant maritime player.
  • India heavily relies on sea routes for international trade due to geographical barriers like the Himalayas and challenges from neighboring countries.
    • INS Imphal aids in securing these crucial sea lanes, ensuring safe passage for trade vessels and thereby safeguarding India's economic interests.

What is Project 15B?

• India’s indigenous Destroyer construction programme commenced in the late 1990s with the three Delhi class (P-15 class) warships and this was followed by three Kolkata class (P-15A) destroyers commissioned a decade later.
  • Presently, under the P-15B (Visakhapatnam Class), a total of four warships are planned (Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, Surat), following the success and technological advancements achieved in Project 15A.
• Project 15B aimed to build the advanced variants of Kolkata class destroyers as Visakhapatnam class destroyers.
  • The class is identified by the name of its lead ship, hence known as the Visakhapatnam class.
• Under Project 15B, a contract was signed in January 2011 with the objective to build on the capabilities of the earlier ships while incorporating technological advancements and improvements in weaponry, electronics, and other systems.
• The lead ship of Project 15B is INS Visakhapatnam (Pennant No D66), which was commissioned in November 2021.
  • INS Mormugao (D67) is the second ship commissioned in December 2022, and INS Surat (to be designated D69 upon commissioning) was launched in May 2023.
• These ships are designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) in Mumbai.