INS Imphal, Indian Navy’s First Warship To Be Named After A North-Eastern City, Launched Into Water In Mumbai

The first warship to be named after a city in the north-east India, the guided-missile destroyer INS Imphal was launched into water on Saturday (20 April). It is third such Vishakhapatnam-class ship built under the Project 15B (P15B) at the Mazgaon Docks in Mumbai, reports Times of India.

Packed with an array of state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, multi-functional surveillance radars and vertically launched missile system for targeting shore, sea-based and air targets, the indigenously designed ship packs a lot of punch within its fold while also strengthening the stealth capabilities of the Indian Navy. The destroyer ship can further carry and operate two multiple role helicopters.

The ship has been designed by the Directorate of Naval Design situated in New Delhi under the ambit of the Ministry of Defence.

With a launch weight of 3037 tonnes, the INS Imphal, like the other ships under P15B spans 163 metres in length and 17.4 metres at beam, and displaces 7300 tonnes once fully loaded. These ships are propelled by four gas turbines to achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The P15B destroyers incorporate new design concepts for improved survivability, sea keeping, stealth and ship manoeuvrability through the shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fitting, which make these ships difficult to detect. P15B ships will be equipped to carry and operate two multiple role helicopters.

The state-of-the-art warship was inducted in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba and his wife, Reena Lanba. Lanba is set to retire soon and he will be succeeded by Vice Admiral Karambir Singh.