The Indian Navy is on the brink of an extraordinary milestone as it prepares to commission its latest Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Imphal, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 26th December 2023. This significant event will witness the presence of the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, as the Chief Guest, marking the formal induction into the Navy of the third ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyer.
Imphal, a testament to indigenous prowess, represents a critical step in the nation’s journey toward self-reliance, being the product of meticulous design by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and construction by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai. The ship’s name holds historical significance, being the first warship named after a city from the North East, symbolizing the region’s paramount importance in national security, sovereignty, and prosperity.
Having completed an arduous trial program both in harbor and at sea, INS Imphal was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20th October 2023. Notably, it achieved a milestone by test-firing the extended-range supersonic BrahMos missile, a groundbreaking feat for an indigenous warship before its formal commissioning. This success underscores the Navy’s commitment to combat readiness and confidence in cutting-edge indigenous weapons and platforms.
The ship, upon commissioning, will join the Western Naval Command, solidifying its place as a significant addition to the naval fleet. INS Imphal stands as a pinnacle of modern warship technology, boasting 75% indigenous content and measuring 163 meters in length, displacing 7,400 tons.
Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors, INS Imphal is a formidable force at sea, capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots. Its sophisticated arsenal includes Surface to Surface Missiles, Surface to Air Missiles, modern Surveillance Radar, Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities, and provisions for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical warfare conditions. The ship’s high degree of automation and stealth features enhance its combat capability and survivability.
A marvel of indigenous engineering, Imphal incorporates major indigenized systems such as Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles, Torpedo Tubes, Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers, and a plethora of advanced systems like Combat Management, Integrated Platform Management, and Automated Power Management. The contributions from various sectors including major OEMs, MSMEs, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signify a collaborative effort in achieving self-reliance in defense production.
The journey from the ship’s keel laying in May 2017 to its delivery in October 2023, with a record-breaking trial period, demonstrates India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities and commitment to the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ vision. The dedication of major companies and small enterprises alike has played a pivotal role in making INS Imphal a reality.
Moreover, INS Imphal’s naming after a city from the North East pays homage to Manipur’s pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and its historical significance in pivotal events like the Anglo-Manipur War, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose’s INA flag hoisting, and the Battle of Imphal during World War II.
The commissioning of INS Imphal signifies not just the addition of a state-of-the-art warship to the Indian Navy but also celebrates the rich history, sacrifices, and contributions of Manipur and the North-eastern region to the nation’s security, sovereignty, and prosperity. INS Imphal is more than just a ship; it’s a beacon of India’s naval prowess and a tribute to the spirit of an ‘Amrit Kaal’ – a resurgent, self-reliant India.