Why in News?

• State-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has launched India’s third Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class guided-missile destroyer, the future INS Imphal, in Mumbai

Project 15 B:

• Project 15B ships feature cutting edge advanced technology and are comparable to the best ships of similar class anywhere in the World
• These ships have been designed indigenously by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design
• Each ship spans 163 metres in length and 17.4 metres at beam and displaces 7,300 tonnes. These ships will be propelled by four gas turbines to achieve speed in excess of 30knotes
• The P15B destroyers incorporate new design concepts for improved survivability, sea keeping, stealth and Enhanced stealth features have been achieved through shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fittings which make these ships difficult to detect. P15B ships will be equipped to carry and operate two multiple role helicopters.
• These ships are packed with an array of state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including multi-functional surveillance radars and vertically launched missile system for long distance engagement of shore, sea-based and air targets.
• With significant indigenous content, these ships are a true hallmark of self-reliance attained by our country in warship design and shipbuilding, and a shining example of the ‘Make in India’ Philosphy

Visakhapatnam-Class Surface Combatants:

• The INS Imphal is part of a planned fleet of four Visakhapatnam-class surface
• The first-of-class Visakhapatnam was launched in April 2015 and is expected to enter service with the Indian Navy in 2021
• The second ship of the type, Mormugao, was launched in September 2016 and is slated to join the fleet in 2022
• The third and fourth Visakhapatnam-class guided missile destroyers are expected to enter service in 2023 and 2024 respectively