India Inducts INS Imphal, 3rd Potent Destroyer under Project 15B Defence Program

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Navy gets 3rd missile destroyer under Project 15B

The Indian Navy recently received the third indigenous stealth destroyer, INS Imphal, under Project 15B. Project 15B is a follow-on of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers which were commissioned in the last decade.

The Project 15B destroyers showcase India’s growing capability in warship design and construction, with a high level of indigenous components. They will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime prowess.

INS Imphal, under Project 15B Overview

Key Takeaways on Project 15B and Indian Navy

Sections	Details
Project Overview	Project 15B is dedicated to constructing 4 state-of-the-art guided missile destroyers for the Indian Navy.
Advanced Features	The destroyers boast stealth capabilities, powerful weaponry, and cutting-edge sensors, ensuring maritime superiority.
Indigenous Efforts	With 75% of the components being made in India, the project emphasizes the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in the defence sector.
Progress So Far	INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned in 2021. INS Mormugao joined the fleet in 2022. INS Imphal inducted in 2023 and was delivered 4 months ahead of the planned schedule.
Special Considerations	INS Imphal has been designed to include accommodations for female officers.
Implications for Indian Defence	The project establishes a gold standard for future indigenous naval shipbuilding efforts. It substantially boosts the Indian Navy’s proficiency across various naval warfare areas. Punctual delivery showcases the expertise and capability of Indian shipyards. It represents a significant stride towards India’s self-reliance in fabricating intricate defence systems.

Key details about Project 15B destroyers

Project 15B

Project 15B is the latest indigenous destroyer program of the Indian Navy. It aims to build four advanced stealth guided missile destroyers.

Background

Project 15B was approved by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in 2009.
It is a follow-on of the earlier Project 15A (Kolkata class destroyers).
The destroyers are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

Features

The Project 15B warships have a number of potent features:

Stealth – The design incorporates stealth features like shaping of hull and radar transparent deck fittings to make detection difficult.
Size – With 7,400 tonnes displacement and 164m length, these are among the largest destroyers built in India.
Armaments – The ships are equipped with advanced weaponry including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, torpedo tube launchers and rocket launchers.
Sensors – Cutting-edge sensors like MF-STAR AESA radar and HUMSA-NG bow sonar are fitted for detection and tracking.
Automation – The warships have a high level of automation through digital networks like Ship Data Network, Combat Management System etc.

Indigenous content

Around 75% of the components have been sourced indigenously, including critical weapons and sensors. This is a major step towards self-reliance in line with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.

The destroyers under Project 15B

INS Visakhapatnam

The lead ship INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned in 2021. It is the most powerful and lethal destroyer to be built in India. After commissioning, it also successfully test fired an upgraded BrahMos missile.

INS Mormugao

The second ship, INS Mormugao was commissioned in December 2022. It had completed basin trials in December 2021 ahead of commissioning.

INS Imphal

INS Imphal, the third ship, delivered to the Indian Navy in October 2023, over four months ahead of schedule. It undertook maiden sea trials in April 2023. Imphal is also the first naval warship to have accommodation for women officers.

INS Surat

The fourth and final ship INS Surat was launched in May 2022 and is currently in advanced stages of outfitting.

About INS Imphal

Technical Specifications & Features

Feature	Details
Speed	30 knots (maximum)
Displacement Capacity	7400 tonnes when fully loaded
Arsenal	76mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts, Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers, Indigenous Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, BrahMos Surface-to-Surface Missiles etc.
Construction	Major parts made in India
Class Details	Third ship of the Visakhapatnam class
Class Evolution	Visakhapatnam class (Project 15B) is a developed version of Kolkata class (Project 15A)
Notable Upgrades	Improved acoustic signature reduction, infrared signature reduction system, flash deck

Significance

The induction of Project 15B destroyers will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy. With their advanced sensors, armaments and automation, these warships can undertake a wide range of naval missions.

Their versatility allows them to operate alone or as flagship of a naval task force. The stealth features also make them suitable for covert operations.

The project is a major contribution to the Make in India initiative. With most systems and components sourced domestically, it has given a boost to indigenous manufacturing. The quick construction timeline of Imphal also highlights the expertise developed by Indian shipyards.

Final Thoughts

The timely delivery and impressive performance of Project 15B destroyers showcase India’s proficiency in designing and building complex warships. The high level of indigenization is a step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

With more such advanced warships planned, the Indian Navy’s capabilities will continue to grow in the coming years. Project 15B sets a benchmark for future indigenous shipbuilding projects.