INS Imphal: Key facts you should know about India's newly commissioned guided missile destroyer

India's naval fleet welcomed INS Imphal, the latest addition to India’s stealth guided missile destroyer fleet, at a grand commissioning event on Tuesday, December 26. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Chief of Naval Staff R Hari Kumar and other Navy officials, presided over the ceremony.

Named after Manipur's capital, this guided missile stealth destroyer stands out as the largest and most advanced in the Indian Navy. It holds a unique distinction as the only ship named after a city from the North-East.

Stealthy and stellar: INS Imphal 

Symbolising self-reliance and unity, INS Imphal marks the third in the indigenous Project 15B class. Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it integrates an array of new technologies, with over 72 percent of its components being indigenous, as per the Ministry of Defence's official statement. The ship incorporates advanced systems like Gigabit Ethernet-based Ship Data Network (GESDN), Combat Management System (CMS), Automatic Power Management System (APMS), and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

Apart from its defensive capabilities against maritime threats, INS Imphal's significance lies in its diverse crew, representing every region of India. As stated by the Navy, alongside other destroyers and surveillance assets, it will contribute to countering piracy and safeguarding merchant shipping.

The Navy's official statement highlighted, "INS Imphal will not only address physical threats from the seas but, more importantly, will deter attempts to subvert our national unity by showcasing the strength of an integrated Bharat."

How mighty is India’s newest guided missile destroyer? 

Imphal’s seafaring capabilities: INS Imphal, the latest in the P-15 B destroyers, has a slightly larger displacement than others in its class, standing at 7,500 tons. With a length of 164 metres and a beam of 17.4 metres, it presents a formidable presence at sea. Stability in various maritime conditions is ensured with a draft of 6.5 metres. The ship's construction used ‘DMR 249A' grade steel, while its propulsion system operates in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration, powered by four Gas Turbines, generating up to 9,900 horsepower and enabling speeds exceeding 30 knots or 55 kmph.

Imphal’s endurance for sustained ops: With an operational range of around 8,000 nautical miles at a speed of 18 knots, INS Imphal, akin to its predecessor INS Visakhapatnam, has demonstrated its capability for sustained missions, capable of remaining at sea for up to 45 days. The crew comprises of 50 officers and 250 sailors. 

Imphal's advanced sensor suite: Armed with advanceds ensor suite, the ship features the Israeli 'MF-STAR' S-Band radar, BEL's L-Band air-search radar, and an X-Band surface-search radar, ensuring comprehensive situational awareness. Sonar capabilities include Bharat Electronic Limited’s HUMSA-NG active/passive sonar and BEL's "Nagin" active towed-array sonar.

Imphal’s defensive might:In terms of armament, the vessel boasts 32 Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) in an eight-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS), along with 16 BrahMos anti-ship missiles in an eight-cell VLS, reinforcing its anti-air, 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. Additionally, it houses an OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun and four AK-630M CIWS, along with two OFT 12.7 mm M2 Stabilised Remote Controlled Guns.

Also a key highlight of INS Imphal’s arsenal too is its emphasis on indigenisation, aligning with 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. With a substantial 75 percent indigenous content, critical systems like Combat Management System, Rocket Launcher, Torpedo Tube Launcher, among others, have been developed domestically.

Sister warships of Imphal

Among other ships in Project 15B, INS Mormugao, the second 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 substantiates India's commitment to naval modernisation of the last decade with the addition of a better and indigenous sensor suite.

INS Visakhapatnam, the lead ship of the Project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 21, 2021, symbolising India's naval advancements and 'Make in India' spirit. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the collaborative efforts between public and private sectors, aiming to elevate India into a global shipbuilding hub. The Indian Navy continues its focus on ensuring openness, safety, and security in the Indo-Pacific region, underlining the need for rule-based freedom of navigation and secure sea lanes for stability and economic progress.

The fourth vessel of Project 15 Bravo, named Surat, was launched on May 17, 2022, and is currently in an advanced stage of outfitting.