As part of the Indian Naval Force, INS (Indian Naval Ship) Imphal, also known as Pennant D68, has recently been commissioned. This ship represents a significant addition to India’s maritime defense capabilities.
INS Imphal is the third ship in the ‘Project 15 Bravo Vishakhapatnam class’ of guided missile destroyers, with the fourth vessel set to be named INS Surat. Recognized as one of the most technologically advanced guided missile destroyers worldwide, INS Imphal was officially launched and christened ‘Imphal’ on 20th April 2019.
Features of INS Imphal
INS Imphal, measuring 163m in length and 17m in breadth, sets a robust image with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes. This potent warship built in India is powered by four high-capacity Gas Turbines in a Combined Gas and Gas configuration, allowing it to achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots.
In terms of weaponry, INS Imphal can launch the BrahMos cruise missile, known as the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile. Prepared for intense battle scenarios, the ship is outfitted to fight under Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical warfare conditions. Its armory includes advanced weapons and sensors such as Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine Warfare rocket launchers, Torpedo launchers, ASW helicopters, radars, sonar, and Electronic Warfare systems.
The Significance of INS Imphal for India
The robust capabilities of INS Imphal endorse the principle of “Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya,” signifying that those who control the seas command immense power. Given the contention over influence in the Indo-Pacific region, the INS Imphal considerably bolsters India’s standing as a significant maritime player.
India, with geographical barriers like the Himalayas and hostilities from neighboring countries, relies heavily on sea routes for international trade. As such, INS Imphal plays a critical role in securing these essential sea lanes. This protection ensures safe passage for trade vessels, safeguarding India’s economic interests.
An Insight Into Project 15B
Project 15B is a continuation of India’s indigenous Destroyer construction program that kicked off in the late 1990s with the Delhi class (P-15 class) warships. This project was then followed by the commissioning of three Kolkata class (P-15A) destroyers a decade later.
Project 15B intends to construct four warships—Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, Surat—in the sequence of their successful predecessors under Project 15A, constituting the Visakhapatnam Class. This project’s goal was to enhance the capabilities of the earlier ships while integrating technological advancements and improvements in weaponry, electronics, and other systems.
The first ship of Project 15B, INS Visakhapatnam (Pennant No D66), was commissioned in November 2021, followed by INS Mormugao (D67) in December 2022. INS Surat is yet to be commissioned and will go by the designation D69 once launched in May 2023. These warships conceived and constructed under Project 15B are designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) in Mumbai.
