India launches third Visakhapatnam-class stealth destroyer

The INS Imphal, as it was launched at Mazagon Dock Shipyard's facility on 20 April 2019. Photo c/o The Hindu.

The Indian Navy (IN) launched the third ship of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class stealth destroyer, the INS Imphal, on 20 April 2019.

The destroyer is expected to be commissioned with the Indian Navy by 2021.

During launching, the ship was still missing its superstructure, which will be fitted later on as part of post-launch dockside works.

The INS Imphal was named after the capital city of Manipur, in line with the Indian Navy's naming standard of using cities to name destroyers and aircraft carriers.

The ship will be 163 meters long and will have a width of 17.4 meters, and will be displacing at 7,300 tons. It will be powered by four (4) gas turbine engines, allowing the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The ship will also be fitted to allow the operation of two (2) multi-role naval helicopters, and will feature a stealthy design through its hull design and use of radar-transparent deck fittings.



[1] NDTV
[2] Times of India