INS Imphal, an indigenously developed warship was commissioned in the Indian Navy today in a ceremony in Mumbai. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar were present.
Interesting Facts about INS Imphal
- INS Imphal belongs to the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, which is the upgraded version of P-15A Kolkata class destroyers.
- It is the third destroyer in the series and is classified as P-15 Bravo or P-15B.
- The unique distinction of INS Imphal lies in being the first warship named after a city from the northeast, with approval granted in 2019 by then-President Ram Nath Kovind.
- As the most advanced stealth-guided missile destroyer, INS Imphal can achieve a maximum speed of 56 km/hr and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors.
- Before induction, the warship underwent several sea trials, showcasing its capability to launch the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos.
- INS Imphal specializes in Anti-Submarine Warfare operations, featuring indigenously developed Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers, and modern surveillance radar.
- The destroyer boasts a 75% high indigenous content, including the BrahMos missile, torpedo tube launchers, and a 76mm super rapid gun mount developed by Indian firms.
- INS Imphal’s construction and sea trial timeline set a record, with the keel laid in 2017, trials beginning in 2019, and delivery in just six months from April 2023.
- The destroyer is named after Imphal, the capital of Manipur, paying tribute to the state’s historical contributions to the Indian freedom struggle.
- Other destroyers in the Visakhapatnam class include INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Surat, representing different regions of different states.
- Destroyers, following aircraft carriers, rank high in capabilities and operational relevance in the Indian Navy.
- India’s indigenous guided missile destroyer program started in the 1990s with Project 15 (Delhi-class), followed by Project 15A (Kolkata-class), and now Project 15B, of which INS Imphal is a part.
