Context

• INS Imphal, a Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 26 December 2023 at a ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• The event marks the formal induction of the third of the four indigenous 'Visakhapatnam' class destroyers.

Background

• The fourth Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer 'Surat' will be commissioned in 2024. 
• Before the induction of INS Imphal, two destroyers of the same class, INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao, were commissioned into the Navy in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
• The foundation stone of INS Imphal was laid on 19 May 2017 and the ship was commissioned on 20 April 2019.

 Key Points

• INS Imphal is designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• The length of this ship is 163 meters, width is 17 meters and it displaces 7,400 tons.
• INS Imphal is one of the most powerful warships built in India.
• It is powered by four powerful gas turbines in combined gas and gas configuration, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.
• It is noteworthy that BrahMos Aerospace has installed BrahMos missiles on this ship.
• Whereas the torpedo tube launchers are from Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
• The rapid gun mount is installed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and the medium range missiles are installed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Moreover, many start-ups and MSMEs are involved in its creation.
• INS Imphal has the unique distinction of being the first warship to be named after a city in the North-East, underscoring the importance and contribution of the North-East region and Manipur to the nation and the Indian Navy.

Benefits

• INS Imphal will play an important role in further strengthening India's growing maritime power.
• This will prove helpful in strengthening the principle of 'Jalamev Yasya, Balamev Tasya' (He who controls the sea is almighty) in the Indo-Pacific region.
• INS Imphal has enhanced stealth characteristics, resulting in reduced radar cross section, achieved through efficient shape of the hull, full beam superstructure design, plated mast and use of radar transparent materials on the open deck.
•  It is equipped with advanced and complex state-of-the-art weapons and sensors including surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) rocket launchers and torpedo launchers, ASW helicopters, radar, sonar and electronic warfare systems. Is equipped.
• The ship is equipped to fight in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare situations.
• A unique feature of this ship is its high level of indigenization of about 75 percent.

 IMPORTANT FACTS FOR EXAM

Manipur

• Manipur is a state located in the north-east of India.
• Geographical location: Manipur's neighbouring states are: Nagaland to the north and Mizoram to the south, Assam to the west, and it borders Myanmar to the east.
• Area: 22,347 sq km
• Capital: Imphal
• Chief Minister: N Biren Singh