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INS Imphal equipped to fight under nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare conditions: MoD.
=INS Imphal is a symbol of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence with 75% indigenous content: Rajnath Singh.
=Attackers of Merchant Vessels ‘Chem Pluto’/’Sai Baba’ will soon be brought to justice: Rajnath Singh.
RAJOURI DECEMBER 26:–Adding muscle to India’s naval fleet capabilities, The Indian Navy on Monday received its latest Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer INS Imphal in the presence of Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) Rajnath Singh.
INS Imphal was commissioned at an impressive ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde; Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval
Command Vice Admiral, Dinesh K Tripathi; and Director (Finance) with Additional Charge of
Chairman & Managing Director, MDL Sanjeev Singhal were among those who attended the
commissioning ceremony.
The event marks the formal induction of the third of four indigenous ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, being designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
Raksha Mantri described INS Imphal as a shining example of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and said, “INS Imphal is a symbol of India’s growing maritime power, and it will strengthen it further. It will bolster our principle of ‘Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya’ (One Who Controls the Sea is All Powerful) in the Indo-Pacific region,”.
Rajnath Singh reiterated the Government’s resolve to lay equal emphasis on the modernisation of all the three Services to safeguard national interests, stating that earlier governments focussed only on protecting the country from land-based threats.
The ship is equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare conditions.
The ship measures 163m in length, 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and is amongst the most potent warships built in India. It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a
Combined Gas & Gas configuration and is capable of speeds more than 30 knots.
The Raksha Mantri defined INS IMPHAL as a conglomeration of different strengths of the nation.
Brahmos Aerospace installed Brahmos missiles on the ship. Torpedo tube launchers are of Larsen
& Toubro (L&T). Rapid Gun Mount has been installed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL),
and Medium Range missiles by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
In addition, many start-ups and MSMEs are involved in its construction. Just like many elements have given a concrete form to INS IMPHAL, people from all walks of life should work together for us to become ‘Viksit Bharat’.
The ship has a total complement of about 315 personnel, and is commanded by Captain KK
Choudhury, a Gunnery and Missiles specialist.
It will augment the Navy’s mobility, reach and flexibility in safeguarding the nation’s maritime security and interests.
INS Imphal has enhanced stealth features resulting in a reduced Radar Cross Section, achieved through efficient shaping of hull, full beam superstructure design, plated masts and use of radar transparent material on exposed decks.
It is armed with sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rocket launchers & Torpedo launchers, ASW helicopters, radars, sonar, and Electronic Warfare systems.
A unique feature of INS Imphal is that about 75% indigenous equipment/systems, include Combat Management System, Rocket Launcher, Torpedo Launcher, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System, Foldable Hangar Doors, Helo Traversing system, Close-in Weapon System, and the Bow-mounted SONAR are used in this missile destroyer.
Referring to the recent suspected drone attack on Merchant Vessels (MV)Chem Pluto and on ‘MV Sai Baba’ in the Red Sea, the Defence Minister said; “The Government of India has taken the attacks very seriously and the Navy has increased its surveillance. Perpetrators of these attacks will soon be brought to justice for strict action,”.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar said; “INS Imphal possesses the distinction of being a shining symbol of Indian Navy’s unflinching commitment towards achieving the vision of self-reliance in defence. The ship will not only tackle physical threats that emanate from the seas but will also demonstrate the strength of an integrated country’.
He exuded confidence that the fourth Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer ‘Surat’ will be commissioned in 2024.
“To counter piracy & drone attacks on merchant shipping, the Indian Navy has deployed four destroyers of Project 15B & 15A class. The P8I Aircraft, Dorniers, Sea Guardians, Helicopters & Coast Guard Ships have all been deployed jointly to counter these threats,” said Admiral Hari Kumar.
The time taken to build INS Imphal and undergo trials has been the shortest for any indigenous destroyer. The ship successfully completed the first-ever test-firing of extended range Brahmos missile prior to its commissioning, making it ‘weapon-ready’.
