INS Imphal Commissioned, Marks India’s Stride in Maritime Power

Mumbai, 26th December 2023: In a grand ceremony at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh oversaw the formal commissioning of INS Imphal, the latest addition to the Indian Navy’s formidable fleet of indigenous destroyers. The event, held on December 26, 2023, signifies the induction of the third ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyer, a Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.

Addressing the gathering, Raksha Mantri hailed INS Imphal as a beacon of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defense, highlighting its significance in strengthening India’s growing maritime power. He emphasized the vessel’s role in upholding the principle of ‘Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya’ (One Who Controls the Sea is All Powerful) in the Indo-Pacific region.

With dimensions measuring 163m in length, 17m in breadth, and a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, INS Imphal stands among India’s most potent warships. Propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines in a Combined Gas & Gas configuration, the destroyer boasts speeds exceeding 30 knots.

Raksha Mantri Singh described INS Imphal as a synergy of different strengths of the nation, attributing the vessel’s capabilities to contributions from various entities, including Brahmos Aerospace, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). He urged citizens from all walks of life to unite for the betterment of the nation.

Highlighting the government’s commitment, Singh emphasized equal emphasis on modernizing all three services to safeguard national interests. He noted the strategic importance of developing the Navy’s capabilities, especially considering India’s reliance on sea trade for goods transportation.

Referring to recent security concerns, including a suspected drone attack on Merchant Vessel (MV) Chem Pluto and the attack on ‘MV Sai Baba,’ Singh assured strict actions against the perpetrators. He underscored India’s role as a Net Security Provider in the entire Indian Ocean Region, emphasizing collaborative efforts with friendly nations to secure sea lanes.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar lauded INS Imphal as a symbol of the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to self-reliance in defense. He described the vessel as a testament to the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ vision, emphasizing its role in deterring threats and showcasing the strength of an integrated country.

Expressing confidence in the Navy’s capabilities, Admiral R Hari Kumar announced the upcoming commissioning of the fourth Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, ‘Surat,’ in 2024. He highlighted the Navy’s proactive measures against piracy and drone attacks, deploying destroyers and various aircraft jointly for enhanced security.

Admiral R Hari Kumar outlined the Navy’s vision to induct individuals, termed Agniveers, from each district, block, and village across the country. The aim is to build a nationalistic workforce, contributing to civil sectors after receiving training and certification.

INS Imphal, named after a city in the North-east, holds the distinction of being the first warship named after the region. The vessel’s swift construction and testing period, completing the first-ever test-firing of an extended-range Brahmos missile, further exemplify India’s progress in defense capabilities.

Notable attendees at the commissioning ceremony included Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and Sanjeev Singhal, Director (Finance) with Additional Charge of Chairman & Managing Director, MDL.

INS Imphal, under the command of Captain KK Choudhury, a Gunnery and Missiles specialist, is poised to enhance the Navy’s mobility, reach, and flexibility in safeguarding the nation’s maritime security and interests. The destroyer’s advanced stealth features, state-of-the-art weaponry, and a high level of indigenization underscore India’s stride towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’