Mazagon Dock Delivers Third Stealth Destroyer ‘IMPHAL’ to Indian Navy
The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has successfully delivered the third Stealth Destroyer of the Project 15B Class Guided Missile Destroyer, known as Yard 12706 ‘IMPHAL,’ to the Indian Navy. The official acceptance document was signed by Sanjeev Singhal, Chairman & Managing Director of MDL, and RAdm Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, CSO (Tech) during a ceremony held at MDL. The event was graced by the presence of Commanding Officer (Designate) Capt K K Choudhury, MDL Directors, WOT(MB), and Navy personnel.
Constructed using Indigenous Steel DMR 249A, ‘IMPHAL’ stands as one of the largest Destroyers ever built in India, boasting an overall length of 164 meters and a displacement exceeding 7500 tons. This formidable warship is equipped to perform a wide array of tasks and missions across the maritime warfare spectrum. It is armed with supersonic Surface-to-Surface ‘Brahmos’ missiles and ‘Barak-8’ Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles. In terms of undersea warfare capability, the Destroyer features indigenous anti-submarine weapons and sensors, most notably the Hull-mounted Sonar Humsa NG, Heavyweight Torpedo Tube Launchers, and ASW Rocket Launchers.
Compared to previous classes of Destroyers and Frigates in the Naval inventory, ‘IMPHAL’ exhibits a significantly higher degree of versatility. Its capabilities extend to countering enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles, and fighter aircraft. The ship can operate independently without the need for supporting vessels and can serve as the flagship of a Naval task force.
Notably, ‘IMPHAL’ was delivered to the Indian Navy over four months ahead of the contractual timeline, showcasing MDL’s commitment to continuous improvement and exceeding global benchmarks. The ship has successfully completed all Sea Trials, including firing major critical weapons, during its very first Contractor’s Sea Trials (CST). It’s also the first among the P15B ships to be equipped with upgraded Brahmos missiles, enabling it to perform both Long-Range and Land attack missions. In a significant step, ‘IMPHAL’ is the first Naval Warship to accommodate women officers and sailors.
The ship can house a crew of 312 individuals, boasts an endurance of 4000 nautical miles, and can undertake typical 42-day missions, with the potential for extended mission time during out-of-area operations. With two helicopters onboard, it can further expand its reach. The ship is powered by a robust Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant (COGAG), comprising four reversible Gas Turbines, enabling it to achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots (approximately 55 km/h). ‘IMPHAL’ features advanced automation, including sophisticated digital networks such as the Gigabyte Ethernet-based Ship Data Network (GESDN), Combat Management System (CMS), Automatic Power Management System (APMS), and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
The indigenous content in the P15B Class Destroyers stands at an impressive 72%, aligning with the government’s focus on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and promoting the development of an extensive ecosystem of sub-vendors.
The first ship of the P15B class, ‘Visakhapatnam,’ was commissioned on November 21, 2021, followed by the commissioning of the second ship, ‘Mormugao,’ on December 18, 2022. The third ship, ‘IMPHAL,’ has now been delivered to the Indian Navy on October 20, 2023. The fourth ship, ‘Surat,’ was launched on May 17, 2022, and is in an advanced stage of outfitting.
MDL has consistently played a crucial role in the nation’s indigenous warship and submarine building program. With its extensive experience and involvement in constructing a variety of naval vessels, MDL has earned the reputation of being ‘Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation.’
