The Indian Navy will experience a significant enhancement in its maritime defense capabilities with the much-anticipated commissioning of INS Imphal, a locally-built stealth guided missile destroyer. This strategic move arrives at a critical time, as the ship will join the fleet amid escalating Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region. Launcher of surface-to-surface BrahMos missiles and other sophisticated weaponry, the INS Imphal sets a new standard for India’s naval might.
This modern destroyer has been named after a city in the northeastern part of India, with this honor approved by the President in April 2019, marking the first instance a warship has carried a name from this region. The commissioning ceremony, set to take place at a naval dockyard in Mumbai, will be graced by the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and various officials. Aligning with the nation’s focus on national security and regional prosperity, the decision to name the ship after the capital of Manipur, Imphal, underscores the central role that the Northeast plays within India’s strategic considerations.
Boasting a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and spanning 164 meters in length, INS Imphal is engineered to be a formidable presence on the high seas. The ship’s prowess is attributed to a vast arsenal, which includes surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes, making it a versatile force across multiple domains of naval warfare. A distinctive feature of the INS Imphal is its propulsion system, which relies on a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) setup, endowing it with the capacity to exceed speeds of 30 knots (approximately 56 km/hour).
Beyond its weapon systems, the INS Imphal champions indigenous military technology, with around 75% of its components, including the BrahMos missiles, being domestically sourced. This commitment to local manufacturing highlights India’s journey toward self-reliance — a tenet of the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ vision.
Prior to being handed over to the Indian Navy on October 20, INS Imphal had undergone a series of rigorous trials, both at sea and in the harbor. Demonstrating its combat readiness, the ship notably achieved a milestone when it successfully fired an extended-range BrahMos missile last month, marking a first for an indigenous warship before its commissioning.
The dedication ceremony in New Delhi saw the ship’s crest unveiled by Defence Minister Singh alongside Manipur’s chief minister, setting the stage for INS Imphal’s operational assignment with the Western Naval Command. The vessel’s induction into service follows as the third in the line of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, each a product of Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau’s expertise.
Craftsmanship excellence found in the creation of the INS Imphal can be credited to the distinguished efforts of Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai. A Navy spokesperson praised the ship as one of India’s most powerful warships, reflecting the nation’s progress in shipbuilding technology.
Advanced surveillance radar technology integrated into the INS Imphal enables precise targeting for the ship’s weapon systems. Furthermore, indigenous development efforts have made significant contributions to the ship’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, furnished with rocket launchers, torpedo launchers, and specialized helicopters for this crucial defensive domain. Preparedness for combat in Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) conditions is also evidenced by automation and stealth features, enhancing both the offensive potential and survivability of the ship.
The timeline from the keel-laying of INS Imphal on May 19, 2017, to its float-out and trials represents the fastest turnaround for a destroyer of this scale within India’s shipbuilding history, highlighting the efficiency and dedication invested in the project.
The commissioning of INS Imphal is more than just a strategic advance for the Indian Navy. It stands as a tribute to the historical significance of Manipur and the Northeastern region, acknowledged for their vital roles in India’s freedom struggle, including events like the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and the hoisting of the INA flag by Netaji Subash Chandra Bose in 1944. The inclusion of INS Imphal into the nation’s naval force is a testament to India’s emphasis on regional acknowledgment and pride. It represents a step toward safeguarding the sovereignty and fostering the prosperity of the nation as it continues to navigate complex geopolitical waters.
