INS Imphal — Project 15B Destroyer

UPSC Relevance: Defence

Why in News?

INS Imphal is significant for India's growing indigenous naval shipbuilding and maritime security capabilities.

Key Facts

  • INS Imphal is a Project 15B stealth guided-missile destroyer.

  • It belongs to the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers.

  • Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 26 December 2023.

  • Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

  • Designed for:

    • Anti-air warfare

    • Anti-surface warfare

    • Anti-submarine warfare

    • Long-range strike

    • Maritime security

  • It has a high level of indigenous content; PIB highlighted approximately 75% indigenous content.

Project 15B

The four Project 15B destroyers are:

  1. INS Visakhapatnam

  2. INS Mormugao

  3. INS Imphal

  4. INS Surat

UPSC Key Pointers

  • Project 15 → Delhi class

  • Project 15A → Kolkata class

  • Project 15B → Visakhapatnam class

  • INS Imphal → Project 15B

  • Shipbuilding → Atmanirbhar Bharat

  • Important for → Indo-Pacific + Indian Ocean security

Prelims Trap: INS Imphal is a destroyer, not a frigate or aircraft carrier.