Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has delivered the third Stealth Destroyer of the Project 15B Class Guided Missile Destroyer, named Yard 12706 or ‘IMPHAL,’ to the Indian Navy.
This ship is built using Indigenous Steel DMR 249A and is among the largest Destroyers constructed in India, measuring 164 meters in overall length and with a displacement of over 7500 tons.
The Acceptance Document was signed by Sanjeev Singhal, Chairman & Managing Director of MDL, and RAdm Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, CSO (Tech) at MDL, in the presence of Commanding Officer (Designate) Capt K K Choudhury, MDL Directors, WOT(MB), and Navy personnel today.
About IMPHAL
The ‘IMPHAL’ is a powerful platform capable of performing various tasks and missions, covering the full range of maritime warfare. 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 is equipped with indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons and sensors, such as the Hull mounted Sonar Humsa NG, Heavyweight Torpedo Tube Launchers, and ASW Rocket Launchers.
What sets the ‘IMPHAL’ apart from previous classes of Destroyers and Frigates in the Naval inventory is its versatility. Its all-round capability against enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles, and fighter aircraft enables it to operate independently without supporting vessels. It can also serve as the flagship of a Naval task force.
‘IMPHAL’ has been delivered to the Indian Navy more than four months ahead of the contractual time, making it one of the most combat-worthy platforms to date. According to an official company statement, this reflects MDL’s commitment to continuous improvement and consistently meeting or exceeding global benchmarks.
Notably, it’s the first among all P15B ships to be fitted with upgraded BrahMos missiles, capable of Long Range & Land attack. Furthermore, ‘IMPHAL’ is the first Naval Warship commissioned with accommodations for women officers and sailors.
The ship can house a crew of 312 persons, has an endurance of 4000 nautical miles, and can carry out a typical 42-day mission with an extended mission time during out-of-area operations. Two helicopters are onboard to extend its operational range. The ship is powered by a Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant (COGAG), which includes four reversible Gas Turbines, enabling it to achieve speeds of over 30 knots (approximately 55 km/h).
The ship features a high level of automation with sophisticated digital networks, including the Gigabyte Ethernet-based Ship Data Network (GESDN), Combat Management System (CMS), Automatic Power Management System (APMS), and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
The P15B Class Destroyers boast a significant 72 percent indigenous content, surpassing their predecessors, the P15A (59 percent) and P15 (42 percent) Class Destroyers. This affirms the Government’s focus on the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ program and the development of a large ecosystem of sub-vendors.
The first ship of the P15B class, ‘Visakhapatnam,’ was commissioned on November 21, 2021. The second ship, ‘Mormugao,’ joined the fleet on December 18, 2022. ‘IMPHAL,’ the third ship, was delivered to the Indian Navy on October 20, 2023. The fourth ship, ‘Surat,’ was launched on May 17, 2022, and is in the advanced stage of outfitting.
MDL has always been a leader in India’s indigenous warship and submarine building program. With a history that includes the construction of various naval vessels and submarines, MDL has earned the title of ‘Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation.’
The ‘IMPHAL’ is not just a vessel; it represents a symbol of progress and a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teams involved in its construction. As the Indian Navy welcomes this formidable addition to its fleet, it can rest assured that ‘IMPHAL’ will play a vital role in ensuring the nation’s maritime security and sovereignty for years to come.