Stealth destroyer 'Imphal'
Mumbai: Imphal, the Indian Navy’s third Visakhapatnam-class indigenous stealth destroyer of the Project 15B class planned to be commissioned later this year, undertook her maiden sea sortie today. Imphal is 3rd of 4 Project 15B class indigenous stealth destroyers being built at the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), here.
The ship incorporates several niche technologies and high indigenous content and is designed in-house by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by MDL stands testimony to the Indian Navy’s thrust on the national vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Imphal has the unique distinction of being the largest and most advanced guided missile destroyer to be ever named after a city from the Northeast and symbolises the region’s salience for national security and development. It may be mentioned that Imphal is the capital of Manipur.
“Imphal would thus be a befitting symbol of the growing importance and contribution of the North-Eastern region and the state of Manipur towards national security and development,” a Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated today.
The ship will add significantly to the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities. With the recent commissioning of her predecessor INS Mormugao in December 2022 and the fifth Project 75 submarine INS Vagir in January 2023, the commencement of sea trials of Imphal is yet another important milestone in MDL’s continued contribution towards building a strong, modern and self-reliant India.
– global bihari bureau
