The third ship of Project 15B (Yard 12706), Guided Missile Destroyer “Imphal” was launched at the State-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) here on Saturday, thus marking yet another significant milestone in the annals of the indigenous warship design and construction programme of India.
With its launch weight of 3037 tonnes, the vessel made its first contact with water at 12.20 pm, amid fanfare at a formal ceremony held at MDSL yard in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba.
In keeping with maritime traditions, Mrs Reena Lanba, President Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA) named the ship as ‘Imphal’ and broke a coconut on the ship’s bow prior launching the ship, as invocation from the Atharva Veda was being rendered.
The 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 15 B ship is 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 manoeuvrability. Enhanced stealth features have been achieved through shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fitting which mae 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,” an MDSL spokesperson said.