Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
The Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone with the induction of its latest stealth-guided missile destroyer, 'INS Imphal,' at the naval dockyard in Mumbai on Tuesday. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
INS Imphal carries historical significance as it is the first warship named after a city in the northeast—Imphal, the capital of Manipur.
The commissioning of INS Imphal is being considered as a fitting tribute to Manipur's sacrifices and contributions to India's freedom struggle, emphasizing the ship's symbolic role in recognizing regional importance.
Following its commissioning, INS Imphal is set to join the Western Naval Command, boosting India's naval capabilities in the strategically important western region.
The Indian Navy currently operates 132 warships, with plans to expand the fleet to 170-175 ships by 2035.
Crafted by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and fabricated by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, INS Imphal features 75% Indian made components. This aligns with India's vision of 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' and underscores the nation's strides in expanding its shipbuilding capabilities.
INS Imphal underwent a rigorous trial program and successfully conducted a test-firing of the extended-range supersonic BrahMos missile in November 2023.
The third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile destroyer, INS Imphal, measures 163 meters in length and displaces 7,400 tonnes.
Equipped with an array of sophisticated weaponry and sensors, INS Imphal features surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and defences against nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare.
With high automation and stealth features, INS Imphal represents a formidable addition to India’s naval fleet, showcasing the country's commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities.