Scheduled for unveiling in New Delhi on 28th November 2023, the crest of Yard 12706, the third vessel among the Project 15B guided missile stealth destroyers being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), heralds the next stage in India’s naval advancements.
Christened Imphal during its launch in April 2019, this formidable ship was recently delivered to the Indian Navy by MDL on 20th October 2023. Marking a significant milestone in its pre-commissioning trials, the vessel successfully conducted the firing of an Extended Range BrahMos missile, serving as a momentous achievement and an ideal precursor to the Crest Unveiling Event.
The event is set to witness the esteemed presence of the Raksha Mantri, Chief Minister of Manipur, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the State of Manipur.
In accordance with maritime traditions, Indian Naval ships and submarines are named after prominent cities, mountain ranges, rivers, ports, and islands. The Indian Navy takes immense pride in this technologically advanced warship named after the historic city of Imphal. Notably, Imphal stands as the first capital warship christened after a city in the North-Eastern region of India, a decision sanctioned by the President of India on 16th April 2019.
Engineered by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and constructed by MDL, this vessel stands as a testament to indigenous shipbuilding prowess, ranking among the most technologically advanced warships globally. It boasts an impressive indigenous content of approximately 75%, incorporating MR SAM, BrahMos SSM, Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers, Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers, and the 76 mm SRGM.
Imphal also holds the distinction of being the first indigenous destroyer to undergo the shortest period from construction to completion of sea trials. Its commissioning into the Indian Navy is scheduled for December 2023, marking a momentous occasion for the nation’s naval capabilities.