INS Visakhapatnam | 01 Mar 2022

For Prelims: INS Visakhapatnam, P-15B, Make in India initiative, MILAN 2022

For Mains: Defence Technology, Security, Issues of maritime security of India and measure needed to address the same

Why in News?

Recently, the India-made stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam was formally affiliated to the Visakhapatnam port.

  • This marks the formal induction of the first of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers.
    • Under the P-15B (Visakhapatnam Class), a total of four warships were planned (Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, Surat) to be inducted.
    • It is indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Directorate of Naval Design and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai.

What is INS Visakhapatnam?

  • INS Visakhapatnam is the lead ship of the P15B class of guided missile stealth destroyers and was commissioned on 21st November 2021.
  • The ship symbolises India's matured shipbuilding capability and quest for the Make in India initiative towards achieving 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
  • The crew of the ship abides by her motto 'Yasho Labhasva' - a Sanskrit phrase that translates to 'Attain Glory'.
    • It embodies the indomitable spirit and capability of this mighty ship to achieve success and glory in every endeavour. 
  • Visakhapatnam class ships are follow-on of the Kolkata class destroyers (P-15A) commissioned in the last decade.
  • The ship is on her maiden visit to the port for participating in the Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) and MILAN 2022.
    • The fleet review is a long-standing tradition followed by navies all across the world and it is an assembly of ships at a pre-designated place for the purpose of displaying loyalty and allegiance to the sovereign and the state.

What are the Features of P15B Ships?

  • These ships are amongst the most technologically advanced Guided Missile Destroyers of the world, with state-of-the-art weapon/sensor package, advanced stealth features and a high degree of automation.
  • These ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM).
  • The ship has several indigenous weapons systems like medium range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAMs), indigenous torpedo tube launchers, anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers and 76-mm super rapid gun mount.

What is the Role of P-15B in the Security of India?

  • The Indian Navy’s responsibilities to safeguard a large coastline of 7516 Kms and about 1100 offshore islands along with 2.01 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) have been enhanced in the present geopolitical scenario.
  • Destroyers like the P-15B class shall play an important role in the larger oceans of the Indo-Pacific, making the Indian Navy a potent force.
  • The guided missile Destroyers are deployed for various responsibilities like escort duties with the Carrier Battle Group to protect the Naval fleet against any air, surface and underwater threats.

Source: PIB