The INS Imphal (Pennant D68) is the third ship in the Project 15B series, also known as the Visakhapatnam class stealth-guided missile destroyers. It joined the Indian Navy on December 26, 2023. The Visakhapatnam class is the latest addition to the Indian navy’s fleet of destroyers, following the Delhi and Kolkata classes. Let’s delve into the development, technology, weaponry, and strategic importance of Visakhapatnam class of ships.
Key Facts About Project B
Kolkata Class: The Beginning
Between 2014 and 2016, the Indian Navy brought in three Kolkata class guided missile destroyers. These were part of Project ’15A’. The ships were named INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai. These were a progression from the Delhi class ships of Project 15. The Delhi class ships, namely INS Delhi, INS Mysore, and INS Mumbai, were commissioned from 1997 to 2001.
The Common Builder: MDSL
All these vessels were constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL). MDSL is a prominent Defence Public Sector Undertaking in India. A ‘class’ of ships refers to a group having similar features such as tonnage, use, capabilities, and weaponry.
Project 15B: An Advance in the Series
A new project, ’15B’, started in January 2011. This project aimed to create advanced versions of the Kolkata class destroyers. The first ship under this, INS Visakhapatnam (D66), commissioned in November 2021. The second one, INS Mormugao (D67), followed in December 2022. The fourth ship, D69, will be named INS Surat after commissioning. It launched in May the previous year.
The Design And Naming Convention
The Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau designed these vessels. MDSL in Mumbai built them. The four ships of Project 15B are named after significant cities in India – Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat. The class gets its name from the lead ship.
Ceremonial Events In A Ship’s Life
There are four important events in a ship’s lifespan – keel laying, launching, commissioning, and decommissioning.
- Keel Laying: The tradition of keel laying comes from the practice of placing one key timber that forms the ship’s backbone. In modern shipbuilding, it’s the first modular component placed in the dock. For instance, the keel of INS Imphal, or Yard Number 12706, was laid on May 17, 2017.
- Launching: Next comes launching, where the ship moves from the building site to the water. Yard 12706 was launched on April 20, 2019.
- Trials and Delivery: After the launch, the ship undergoes sea trials. Imphal sailed for her maiden sea trials on April 28 and completed a comprehensive trial schedule in the harbor and sea. The ship was delivered on October 20, all within a record six months, the fastest for a ship of its size.
- Commissioning: Finally, commissioning occurs when the ship begins active service. The INS Imphal is set to be commissioned this Tuesday.
Technological Characteristics And Armament Of Visakhapatnam Class
- Enhanced Ergonomics and Habitability: The Visakhapatnam class of destroyers stands out with its superior ergonomics and habitability. They excel in comparison to their preceding destroyer classes.
- Advanced Fire Zones and Power Systems: These destroyers feature multiple fire zones and complex battle damage control systems. Their distributional power systems improve survivability and reliability, even in extreme operational and conflict scenarios.
- Total Atmospheric Control System (TACS): The class is equipped with a TACS. This system protects the crew from chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.
- Cutting-edge Combat Management System: A state-of-the-art combat management system is also installed on these destroyers. It analyzes threats, formulates a tactical picture, and appropriately allocates resources.
- Secure Network: The Visakhapatnam class has a secure network. This network manages data from all the sensors and weapons systems.
- Weapon Arsenal: The ship’s arsenal includes BrahMos surface-to-surface cruise missiles and Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles. These weaponry offers long-range engagement capabilities.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare Capability: For close-point engagement, the ship has a 127 mm main gun and four AK-630 30mm guns. It also features indigenously developed 533 mm torpedo launchers and RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers.
- Multi-role Helicopters: The ship can operate two multi-role helicopters, such as the Sea King or HAL Dhruv. It provides a rail-less helicopter traversing and a hangar facility.
Strategic Significance
- Modern Destroyers: Destroyers are high-speed and maneuverable ships. They endure for an extended period and are a crucial part of naval groups like fleets or carrier strike groups.
- Guided-Missile Destroyers: These are modern destroyers that are fast, sleek, and hard to detect. They primarily guard fleets and carrier battle groups against short-range attackers from the surface, air, and sub-surface. They are equipped with guided missiles for defense and offense against aircraft, surface vessels, and submarines.
- Advantages of Guided-Missile Destroyers: Thanks to their speed, agility, and firepower, guided missile destroyers play a critical role in offensive naval operations. They incorporate feedback from the Navy and numerous new features.
- Visakhapatnam Class: A Game-Changer: The Visakhapatnam class, an advanced version of the Kolkata class, stands out with its state-of-the-art stealth feature that reduces its radar signature. It has a high indigenous component, offering a strategic advantage.
- Key Asset of Indian Navy: Regarded as one of the most advanced ship classes in the Indian Navy, the Visakhapatnam class can operate independently, even outside of large formations. It’s equipped with modern sensors and communication facilities, making it essential for network-centric warfare. This warfare leverages information technology and computer networking to create various force element networks in a conflict scenario.