INS Imphal

CONTEXT: INS Imphal to be commissioned today. Its capabilities, and the strategic significance of Visakhapatnam class of destroyers Commissioning marks the day that a ship joins active service.

• INS Imphal, the third ship of the Visakhapatnam class stealth-guided missile destroyers (Project 15B), is set to be commissioned into the Indian Navy.
• The class is designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and named after major cities in India.
• INS Imphal's keel was laid in May 2017, launched in April 2019, completed sea trials in six months, and is set for commissioning in December 2023.
• The Visakhapatnam class destroyers are 163 meters long, 17.4m wide, with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, operated by a crew of around 350.
• Propelled by a 'combined gas and gas' (COGAG) configuration, the ships have a maximum speed of 30 knots and a range of 4000 nautical miles.
• Features include multiple fire zones, battle damage control systems, distributional power systems, total atmospheric control system (TACS), and a combat management system.
• Armament includes BrahMos surface-to-surface cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, 127 mm main gun, AK-630 30mm guns, torpedo launchers, and RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers.
• The destroyers have anti-submarine warfare capabilities, can operate two multi-role helicopters, and feature stealth technology.
• Destroyers play a crucial role in protecting fleets, carrier battle groups, and offensive naval operations, with the Visakhapatnam class being advanced and having a high indigenous component.