Indian Navy commissions indigenously built maritime stealth powerhouse INS Imphal

In a historic moment for the Indian Navy, the latest addition to its formidable fleet, the Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer 'INS Imphal,' is set to be commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on December 26, 2023. The commissioning ceremony, graced by the nation's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, will mark the formal induction of the third 'Visakhapatnam' class destroyer, showcasing India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to maritime security.

Imphal, named after the capital city of Manipur in the North East, underwent a comprehensive and rigorous trial program, culminating in the successful test-firing of the extended-range supersonic BrahMos missile in November 2023. This landmark achievement, a first for an indigenous warship before commissioning, underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to cutting-edge indigenous weaponry and platforms, enhancing its combat capabilities in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. 

State-of-the-art warship with strategic significance 

INS Imphal, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and meticulously constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited, stands as a testament to India's prowess in naval technology. With a length of 163 meters and displacing 7,400 tons, Imphal is not only one of India's most potent warships but also a symbol of the country's stride towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat.’

Imphal is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors, embodying the latest in naval technology. Capable of achieving speeds exceeding 30 knots, the destroyer boasts a formidable array of sophisticated weapons, including Surface-to-Surface and Surface-to-Air Missiles. Its Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities are reinforced by indigenously developed Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers, and ASW helicopters. The ship's ability to operate under Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions underscores its versatility and readiness for varied scenarios. 

Contributions from indigenous entities 

Major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have played a pivotal role in the construction of Imphal. Entities such as BEL, L&T, Godrej, BrahMos, and others have contributed their expertise, fostering a collaborative approach towards building a technologically advanced warship. Indigenous systems, including Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, Torpedo Tubes, Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers, and more, showcase India's capability to produce cutting-edge defense technology.

Imphal's journey from conception to commissioning has set records in the annals of Indian naval history. The ship's keel was laid on May 19, 2017, and it was launched on April 20, 2019, achieving the unique distinction of being the largest and most advanced destroyer named after a North-eastern city. Its maiden sea trials, which commenced on April 28, 2023, culminated in the ship's delivery on October 20, 2023, within a record time frame of six months – a testament to India's growing efficiency in naval construction. 

Historical significance of Imphal's commissioning 

The commissioning of INS Imphal is not merely a naval event but a historical acknowledgment of Manipur's rich contributions to India's freedom struggle and global conflicts. The city of Imphal witnessed pivotal moments such as the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose's INA flag hoisting in 1944. The Battle of Imphal during World War II, where Indians fought on both sides, turned the tide of the Burma campaign, shaping the outcome of the war and the new world order. Imphal's commissioning pays homage to these historical milestones, underscoring the city's and the larger North-eastern region's significance to national security, sovereignty, and prosperity. 

The commissioning of INS Imphal marks not only a significant stride in India's naval capabilities but also a celebration of its rich historical tapestry. It symbolizes the nation's commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing, innovation, and maritime prowess in the 21st century.