Launching Of Third Destroyer Of Project 15 B INS IMPHAL By Chief Of Naval Staff
Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief Of Naval Staff, launched the third ship of Project 15B, a guided missile destroyer INS IMPHAL, today at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai. The launch marks yet another significant milestone in the annals of the indigenous warship design and construction programme of the Indian Navy. With a launch weight of 3,037 tonnes, nearly 40% of the full weight, the vessel entered the water amid fanfare during the launching ceremony.
The Chief Guest, Admiral Sunil Lanba commended the synergic partnership of MDL, Indian Navy, DRDO, OFB, BEL, other public sector enterprises and the private industry in ensuring that force levels are made available to meet India’s National strategic maritime objectives. He also congratulated all agencies associated with the milestone.
Earlier the name for the third ship of Project 15B was anticipated to be Paradip and the fourth one as Porbandar. These ships boast cutting edge advanced technology and are comparable to the best ships of similar class anywhere in the world.
These ships have been designed indigenously by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design. Each ship is 163 metres in length, a daught of 6.5 m and 17.4 metres at beam and displaces 7,300 tonnes. Propulsion is by four gas turbines engines to achieve speed in excess of 30 knots.
The P15B destroyers feature new design concepts for improved survivability, sea keeping, stealth and maneuverability. Enhanced stealth features have been achieved through shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fittings which make these ships difficult to detect. P15B ships will be equipped to carry and operate two multiple capability helicopters.
These 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. With significant indigenous content, these ships are an example of the ‘Make in India’ philosophy.
Aviation facilities include an enclosed deck and is capable of operating two helicopters simultaneously. The class will be fitted with the Nirbhayland-attack cruise missile, 8-16 supersonic BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack missiles and 32 Barak 8-ER SAMs.
All the missiles will be fitted into a Universal Vertical Launcher Module (UVLM). Four AK-630 close-in weapon systems (CIWS) will provide the ship with close-in-defence capability. Twin tube torpedo launchers and RBU-6000 Smerch-2 rocket launchers will provide anti-submarine warfare capability.
The primary radar sensor of the class is the EL/M-2248 MF-STARmulti-mission AESA. It is also equipped with Thales LW-08 long range volume search radar. Each ship of the class will have a complement of 50 officers and 250 sailors.
