INS Imphal

INS Imphal

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ INS Imphal”. This topic has relevance in the Security section of the UPSC CSE exam.

GS 3: Security

Why in the news?

On November 28, 2023, the crest of Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third vessel among the quartet of Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyers, was revealed by the Defense Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi.

About INS Imphal:

INS Imphal, the third vessel in the Visakhapatnam-class of stealth-guided missile destroyers, stands as a testament to India’s prowess in naval construction. With a remarkable blend of indigenous technology and strategic design, this imposing warship is a key asset in the nation’s maritime defense capabilities.

Key Specifications:

  • Size and Displacement:
    • Length: 164 metres
    • Displacement: Over 7500 tonnes
  • Speed:
    • Impressive speed of over 30 knots (approximately 55 kmph)
  • Capabilities:
    • Versatile platform capable of a wide range of tasks across maritime warfare.
  • Indigenous Content:
    • Boasts an impressive 75% indigenous content, showcasing India’s technological advancements.
    • Features Medium Range Surface-to-Air missiles, BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers, Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers (Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai), and a 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (BHEL, Haridwar).

 

Symbolism in Crest Design:

  • The crest design is rich in symbolism, featuring the Kangla Palace and ‘Kangla-Sa.’
  • Kangla Palace: An important historical and archaeological site in Manipur, serving as the traditional seat of the past kingdom.
  • ‘Kangla-Sa’: A mythical being from Manipur history, depicted with a dragon’s head and lion’s body. Symbolic as the guardian/protector of the people, it is also the state emblem of Manipur.

 

Historical Significance:

  • INS Imphal holds the distinction of being the first capital warship named after a city in the northeast – Imphal, the capital of Manipur.

 

Project-15B: 

Project-15B (P 15B) marks a significant milestone in India’s naval capabilities, with four Guided Missile Destroyers under construction at M/s Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. Initiated in 2011, these vessels are poised to be among the world’s most technologically advanced destroyers, featuring cutting-edge weaponry, advanced stealth attributes, and a high degree of automation.

Key Features of P-15B Ships:

  • Weaponry:
    • Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM), enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
    • Boasts indigenous weapons systems, including medium-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs), torpedo tube launchers, anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers, and a 76-mm super rapid gun mount.
  • Ships under Project 15-B :
    • The first ship, INS Visakhapatnam 
    • INS Mormugao, the second ship
    • INS Imphal, the third ship
    • INS Surat, the fourth ship

 

Role of P-15B:

  • In the context of India’s vast coastline, 7516 Kms and 1100 offshore islands, and a 2.01 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), P-15B plays a pivotal role in enhancing the Indian Navy’s capabilities.
  • Positioned for duties in the Indo-Pacific, these guided missile destroyers are vital for safeguarding against air, surface, and underwater threats, contributing significantly to the Indian Navy’s potency.

 

Other Recent Projects:

  • Project 75 (I):
    • Envisions indigenous construction of submarines with state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system.
    • Estimated cost: Rs. 43,000 crore.
  • Project 75:
    • The program involves building six Scorpene-Class attack submarines.
    • Undertaken with technology transfer from French company Naval Group at the Mazagon Dock Limited.

 

Source: Rajnath Singh: Rajnath unveils crest of India guided missile destroyer Imphal | Guwahati News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 30th Nov 2023

Q.1 Under which of the following programmes the latest, INS Imphal-destroyer Ship was made?

(a) Project 75

(b) Project 15-B

(c) Project 15-A

(d) Project 75 (I)

 

Q.2 Consider the following:

  1. INS Visakhapatnam
  2. INS Mormugao
  3. INS Mangalore
  4. INS Surat

How many of the above are ships under Project-15B?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) All four

 

Q.3 Discuss the strategic significance and challenges associated with India’s pursuit of a Blue Water Navy in the context of enhancing maritime security.

Tags:
No Comments

Post A Comment