The upcoming addition to the Indian Navy's fleet is the cutting-edge stealth guided-missile destroyer, 'Imphal,' scheduled for commissioning on December 26, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance.
Delivered to the navy on October 20, 'Imphal' holds the distinction of being the first warship named after a northeastern city. Its journey to commissioning involved a rigorous trial program both in the harbor and at sea, emphasizing the navy's commitment to combat effectiveness. Notably, in November, the ship achieved a significant milestone by test-firing the extended-range supersonic BrahMos missile, marking a pioneering feat for an indigenous warship pre-commissioning.
Measuring an impressive 163 meters in length, with a displacement of 7,400 tons and boasting 75% indigenous content, 'Imphal' stands out as one of India's most formidable warships. Capable of exceeding speeds of 30 knots, the vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles.
Functioning as a dynamic fortress at sea, 'Imphal' features a modern surveillance radar providing crucial target data to its gunnery weapon systems. Anti-submarine warfare capabilities are enhanced through indigenously-developed rocket launchers, torpedo launchers, and ASW helicopters.
The ship is fully prepared for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions, showcasing high automation and stealth features that augment its combat capability and survivability. Key indigenized systems onboard include medium-range surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, torpedo tubes, anti-submarine rocket launchers, super rapid gun mounts, a combat management system, integrated platform management system, automated power management system, foldable hangar doors, helo traversing system, close-in weapon system, and a bow-mounted sonar.
Contributions from renowned entities like BEL, L&T, Godrej, Marine Electrical, BrahMos, Technico, Kineco, Jeet & Jeet, Sushma Marine, among others, have played a pivotal role in the creation of the formidable 'Imphal.'
(With Agency Inputs)
