INS Imphal

Context

More than 200 students from Indian schools in Muscat recently visited INS Imphal at Sultan Qaboos Port, Oman, during events marking India’s 80th Independence Day.

About INS Imphal

1. INS Imphal is a Project P-15B Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy.
2. It was commissioned on 26^th December 2023 and was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL).
3. Named after Imphal, the capital of Manipur, it is the first Indian naval warship named after a city in Northeast India.
4. The ship also has dedicated accommodation for women officers and sailors.

Key Features

1. Indigenous content: Around 75%.
2. Dimensions: 163 metres long and 17 metres wide, with a displacement of about 7,400 tonnes.
3. Propulsion: Four gas turbines in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration, enabling speeds above 30 knots.
4. Endurance: Up to 45 days.
5. Stealth: Its reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS) makes detection by hostile radar more difficult.
6. Armament: BrahMos missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine rocket launchers and a 76-mm Super Rapid Gun Mount.
7. Protection: The Total Atmospheric Control System (TACS) protects personnel from chemical, biological and nuclear threats.

Operational Capabilities

1. Anti-Air Warfare (AAW): Enables the ship to counter aerial threats.
2. Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW): Allows engagement of hostile surface vessels.
3. Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Supports the detection and neutralisation of submarines.

Conclusion

INS Imphal represents India’s progress in indigenous naval design and shipbuilding.  Its combination of stealth, advanced weapon systems and multi-role capability strengthens the Indian Navy’s ability to safeguard India’s maritime interests.  Its overseas presence further supports India’s role in promoting maritime security and regional engagement.

FAQs

1. What is Project P-15B?

Project P-15B is the programme under which the Visakhapatnam-class guided-missile destroyers have been developed for the Indian Navy.

2. What is the significance of the name INS Imphal?

The ship is named after Imphal, the capital of Manipur, making it the first Indian naval warship named after a city in Northeast India.

3. What does COGAG mean?

COGAG stands for Combined Gas and Gas. It is a propulsion arrangement that combines gas turbines to generate high power for naval operations.

4. What is Radar Cross Section?

Radar Cross Section (RCS) indicates how detectable an object is by radar. A lower RCS generally makes detection and tracking more difficult.

5. What is the purpose of TACS?

The Total Atmospheric Control System provides a protected internal environment and safeguards the crew against chemical, biological and nuclear threats.

6. Which major warfare roles can INS Imphal perform?

It is designed for anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, enabling it to respond to different categories of maritime threats.