The Indian Navy on Saturday launched its third guided missile destroyer at Mazgaon Docks as part of its Project 15B, which is aimed at adding state-of-the-art warships to the naval fleet.
Defence officials said that the destroyer, INS Imphal , hit the water at 12.20 p.m. in the presence of Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval Staff, and his wife Reena Lanba, who broke a coconut on the warship’s bow before its launch.
The Navy had launched INS Vishakhapatnam , the first Project 15B ship, in April 2015, while the second ship, INS Mormugao , was launched in September 2016. A contract for four destroyers under the Project 15B has been signed.
With a launch weight of 3037 tonnes, the INS Imphal , like the other ships under the project, has been designed indigenously by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design, New Delhi. Each warship spans 163 metres in length and 17.4 metres at beam, and displaces 7300 tonnes.
A Defence spokesperson said, “These ships will be 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. Enhanced stealth features have been achieved through shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fitting, which make these ships difficult to detect. P 15B ships will be equipped to carry and operate two multiple role helicopters.”
The spokesperson added that the ships are packed with an array of state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including multi-functional surveillance radars and vertically launched missile system for long-distance engagement of shore, sea-based and air targets.
