India’s Navy recently took delivery of the first of four state-of-the-art stealth guided missile destroyers, known as ‘Y 12704 (Visakhapatnam)’. Constructed using indigenous steel DMR 249A, the ship is one of the largest destroyers built in India. This news item offers an opportunity to look at the broader context of India’s destroyer construction programme.
A History of the Indian Destroyer Construction Programme
The domestic Destroyer construction programme in India initiated in the late 1990s with three Delhi class (P-15 class) warships. A decade later, this initiative was followed by the commissioning of three Kolkata class (P-15A) destroyers. Currently, the P-15B (Visakhapatnam Class) phase is underway, which includes plans for four new warships (Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, Surat). While smaller than the Aircraft Carrier (INS Vikramaditya), these destroyers demonstrate substantial endurance and reach.
Project-15B: The New Wave of Guided Missile Destroyers
Contracted in 2011, four new guided missile destroyers of Project 15B (P 15B) are being constructed at the Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. These warships rank amongst the most technologically advanced guided missile destroyers globally, featuring a high-tech weapon/sensor package, advanced stealth features, and a high level of automation.
Features of the P-15B Ships
Designed on a platform of unparalleled ingenuity, the P-15B ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM). Each ship boasts several indigenous weapons systems, including medium-range SAMs, indigenous torpedo tube launchers, anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers, and a 76-mm super rapid gun mount.
The Progress Report of the other Three P-15B Ships
The second ship of Project 15B, Mormugao, was launched in 2016 and is currently being prepared for harbour trials. The third ship, Imphal, reached a significant stage of outfitting after its launch in 2019. The fourth ship, Surat, which is still under block erection, is set to be launched within the current financial year of 2022.
Role of P-15B in Safeguarding Indian Waters
Given the vast coastline of 7516 kms and approximately 1100 offshore islands along with 2.01 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Indian Navy carries massive responsibilities in the present geopolitical scenario. In this context, the P-15B class destroyers will play a pivotal role, particularly in the broad expanses of the Indo-Pacific, bolstering the Indian Navy’s potency. These guided missile destroyers are deployed for diverse responsibilities, including escorting the Carrier Battle Group to shield the Naval fleet against air, surface, and underwater threats.
Other Recent Projects of Indian Navy
Alongside the P-15B project, there are other recent initiatives like Project 75 (I) that envisages indigenous construction of submarines equipped with state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion systems at an estimated cost of Rs. 43,000 crore. Another initiative, Project 75, involves building six Scorpene-Class attack submarines using technology transferred from the French company Naval Group (formerly known as DCNS) at the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).
