Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Delivers ‘IMPHAL,’ the Third Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B Class to the Indian Navy.
Mazagon Dock marked a significant milestone on October 20,2023, with the delivery of the third Project 15B Class Guided Missile Destroyer, ‘IMPHAL,’ to the Indian Navy. This remarkable achievement was celebrated in the presence of key dignitaries and naval personnel.
Indigenous Excellence
Constructed using Indigenous Steel DMR 249A, ‘IMPHAL’ is a testament to India’s shipbuilding capabilities. With an overall length of 164 meters and a displacement of over 7500 tons, it stands among the largest destroyers built in India. ‘IMPHAL’ is a versatile platform, armed with supersonic Surface-to-Surface ‘Brahmos’ missiles and ‘Barak-8’ Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles. For undersea warfare, it boasts indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons and sensors-
- Hull-mounted Sonar Humsa NG
- Heavyweight Torpedo Tube Launchers
- ASW Rocket Launchers
INS Imphal’s Versatility in Maritime Warfare
Compared to previous destroyer and frigate classes, ‘IMPHAL’ offers significantly more versatility. It can engage enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles, and fighter aircraft independently without the need for supporting vessels. It is also designed to function as the flagship of a Naval task force.
INS Imphal’s Impressive Specifications
- The ship can accommodate a crew of 312 persons, indicating its capacity for a sizable crew.
- It has an endurance of 4000 nautical miles, suggesting it can cover long distances without refueling or resupply.
- The ship can carry out missions lasting up to 42 days, with extended capabilities for out-of-area operations, emphasizing its long-duration mission capabilities.
- Two onboard helicopters extend its operational reach, which implies it can support aerial operations.
- It is propelled by a powerful Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant (COGAG), capable of achieving speeds exceeding 30 knots (approximately 55 km/h).
- The ship is equipped with advanced digital networks, including the Gigabyte Ethernet-based Ship Data Network (GESDN), Combat Management System (CMS), Automatic Power Management System (APMS), and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). These systems enhance its data communication, combat capabilities, power management, and overall platform management.
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Mazagon Dock delivers Ahead of Schedule
‘IMPHAL’ was delivered to the Indian Navy more than four months ahead of the contractual timeline, underscoring MDL’s commitment to continuous improvement. The ship has successfully completed all sea trials, including the firing of major critical weapons in the very first Contractor’s Sea Trials (CST). Notably, ‘IMPHAL’ is the first of the P15B ships to sport upgraded Brahmos missiles. Thus, offering dual-role capabilities for long-range and land attack. It’s also the first naval warship to accommodate women officers and sailors.
Indigenous Commitment
The P15B Class Destroyers maintain a 72% indigenous content. It exceeds their predecessors in the P15A (59%) and P15 (42%) Class Destroyers. This highlights the Indian government’s dedication to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) program and the development of a robust ecosystem of sub-vendors.\
Mazagon Dock Historic Progress
Mazagon Dock’s history reflects India’s journey in indigenous warship and submarine building. With a rich portfolio that includes-
- Leander class frigates
- Godavari class frigates
- Khukri class corvettes
- Missile boats
- Delhi class destroyers
- Kolkata class destroyers
- Shivalik class stealth frigates
- Visakhapatanam class destroyers
- Nilgiri class frigates
- SSK submarines
These are the various types of warships and submarines in the rich portfolio of MDL (Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited). Thus, earning MDL the reputation of “Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation.”
The first ship of the P15B class, ‘Visakhapatnam,’ was commissioned on November 21, 2021, followed by the commissioning of the second ship, ‘Mormugao,’ on December 18, 2022. ‘IMPHAL,’ the third ship, has now been delivered to the Indian Navy on October 20, 2023, while the fourth ship, ‘Surat,’ is in an advanced stage of outfitting. MDL continues to play a pivotal role in India’s indigenous naval building program.
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