INS Imphal: Indian Navy commissions indigenous stealth-guided missile destroyer in Mumbai

Adding muscle to the naval fleet, India on Tuesday commissioned its latest stealth-guided missile destroyer 'INS Imphal' at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.'INS Imphal' is the largest and most advanced destroyer to ever be named after a city in the northeastern state of Manipur.Addressing the commissioning event - which was also attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra CM Ekanth Shinde - Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said, "INS Imphal will not only tackle physical threats that emanate at or from the seas, but more importantly, through the demonstrated strength of an integrated Bharat, she will deter nefarious designs, trying to subvert our national unity...Even as we speak, we have four destroyers of 15 Alpha and Bravo class deployed to counter piracy and drone attacks on merchant shipping..."Rajnath Singh said the the induction of 'INS Imphal' into the Indian Navy shows India's self-reliance in the defence sector."This reflects the commitment of MDL and Navy towards national security, and the hard work, and dedication of all stakeholders involved in its creation. I truly believe that the commissioning of INS Imphal will strengthen the Indian Navy," said the Defence Minister.Referring to recent drone attack on 'MV Chem Pluto' in the Arabian Sea and the attack on 'MV Sai Baba' in the Red Sea, Singh said that the Indian government has taken these incidents very seriously."Nowadays the turbulence in the sea has increased a bit. India's growing economic and strategic power has filled some forces with jealousy and hatred. The Government of India has taken the recent drone attack on 'MV Chem Pluto' in the Arabian Sea and the attack on 'MV Sai Baba' in the Red Sea a few days ago very seriously. Indian Navy has increased surveillance of the sea. Whoever has carried out this attack, we will find them even from the seabed and strict action will be taken against them...," warned the Defence Minister.'Imphal' was handed over to the Indian Navy on 20 October following a rigorous and comprehensive trial program conducted both in the harbor and at sea. The keel of the ship was laid on May 19, 2017, and it was launched into the water on April 20, 2019.With a length of 163 meters, a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, and an impressive 75% indigenous content, Imphal stands as one of the most formidable warships ever constructed in India.This accomplishment serves as a testament to India's growing shipbuilding capabilities in alignment with the national vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' making the warship a symbol of a developed India in harmony with the 'Amrit Kaal' national vision. Featuring a substantial indigenous component, including medium-range surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, indigenous torpedo tube launchers, anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers, and a 76mm super rapid gun mount, INS Imphal showcases the nation's technological prowess.Imphal is equipped with a modern surveillance radar that provides target data to the ship's gunnery weapon systems. Its Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities are bolstered by indigenously developed Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers, and ASW helicopters. The ship is designed to operate under Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions, boasting a high degree of automation and stealth features that enhance its combat capability and survivability.Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by M/s MDL, Imphal reflects significant contributions from both the public and private sectors, including MSMEs, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), solidifying its status as a state-of-the-art warship.With inputs from agencies