Navy to unveil the Crest of stealth guided missile destroyer 'INS Surat' in Gujarat's Surat city

The Indian Navy is set to unveil the crest of the fourth vessel of Project 15B, the Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer named Surat, in Gujarat's Surat City on November 6, 2023. 

The Navy's spokesperson stated, "The ship is named after the commercial capital of Gujarat, a city with a rich maritime and shipbuilding history." Launched on May 17, 2022, the ship is currently undergoing advanced outfitting.

Recently, the Indian Navy welcomed INS Imphal, the third vessel of the P15B Class Guided Missile Destroyer, on October 20. Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed entirely by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, was delivered ahead of its anticipated schedule. Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, INS Imphal integrates cutting-edge technologies and a substantial indigenous component, accounting for more than 72 per cent, as per the Ministry of Defence's official statement. 

The new technology, as per MoD, included in the guided missile destroyer features a very high level of automation with sophisticated digital networks such as Gigabit Ethernet-based Ship Data Network (GESDN), Combat Management System (CMS), Automatic Power Management System (APMS), and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

Specifications of the vessel, as per the MoD

The vessel has a relatively bigger displacement than others in its class, although the difference is minute at 7,500 tons. It stretches 164 metres in length and has a beam of 17.4 metres, presenting a commanding presence on the seas. A draft of 6.5 metres ensures stability in various maritime conditions. Additionally, the ship has been constructed with ‘DMR 249A’ grade steel. The propulsion system is in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration, powered by four Gas Turbines. The engines can generate horsepower up to 9,900, enabling the vessel to achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots or 55 kmph.

The ship's operational range spans around 8,000 nautical miles at a speed of 18 knots. INS Visakhapatnam, the first of its class from the Project 15B destroyers, with its foreign port calls and visits, has proved that the class is apt for sustained missions. This is further substantiated by the fact that the ship class can remain at sea for up to 45 days. The crew of this class comprises 50 officers and 250 sailors. INS Imphal is equipped with an array of weaponry and sensors.

Notable among them is the Israeli-origin ‘MF-STAR’ S-Band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, BEL’s L-Band air-search radar, and another X-Band surface-search radar, which collectively provide comprehensive situational awareness. The ship's sonar capabilities are equally potent, with the inclusion of Bharat Electronic Limited’s HUMSA-NG active/passive sonar and BEL "Nagin" active towed-array sonar.

In terms of armament, the vessel has a relatively smaller armament carrying capacity than its foreign counterparts. However, it features 32 Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) housed in an eight-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS), ensuring anti-air warfare capabilities. Furthermore, it is equipped with 16 BrahMos anti-ship missiles in an eight-cell VLS, fortifying its anti-surface and anti-ship warfare capabilities. Anti-submarine warfare is addressed through four 533 mm torpedo tubes and two RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers. The ship also houses an OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun (Howitzer) along with its close-in-weapons-system (CIWS) - four AK-630M CIWS, and two OFT 12.7 mm M2 Stabilised Remote Controlled Guns.

A key feature of INS Imphal is its emphasis on indigenization, aligning with the national objective of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat'. It incorporates a substantial 75 per cent indigenous content, featuring critical systems such as Combat Management System, Rocket Launcher, Torpedo Tube Launcher, and more.

Other ships from Project 15B

INS Mormugao, the second ship in this series, was delivered to the Indian Navy on November 24, 2022. This project builds upon the success of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers and reaffirms India's commitment to naval modernization with the integration of a better sensor suite in Project 15B, as per MoD sources.

INS Visakhapatnam, the lead ship of the Project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 21, 2021. This marked a historic milestone in India's naval capabilities, embodying the spirit of 'Make in India'. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of the project and hailed it as a ‘symbol’ of India’s growing maritime strength.