Staff Correspondent
The launch of third ship of Project 15B (Yard 12706), Guided Missile Destroyer Imphal, today (20 Apr 19) at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, in the presence of Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, marks yet another significant milestone in the annals of the indigenous warship design and construction programme of India. With a launch weight of 3037 tonnes, the vessel made its first contact with water at 12:20 PM with full fanfare. In keeping with maritime traditions, Reena Lanba, President NWWA, named the ship ‘Imphal’ and broke a coconut on the ship’s bow prior launching the ship, as invocation from the Atharva Veda was being rendered.
Project 15B ships feature cutting edge advanced technology and are comparable to the ships of similar class anywhere in the world. These ships have been designed indigenously by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design, New Delhi. Each ship spans 163 meters in length and 17.4 meters at beam and displaces 7300 tonnes. 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 maneuverability. 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.
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 a true hallmark of self-reliance attained by our country in warship design and shipbuilding, and a shining example of the ‘Make in India’ philosophy.