The Indian Navy’s cutting-edge indigenous guided missile destroyer, Imphal, belonging to the Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile destroyers, marked a significant milestone in its sea trials. In its maiden Brahmos missile firing at sea, the warship, designated Yard 12706, achieved a ‘Bull’s Eye’ during a successful test on Wednesday. This marks the inaugural test-firing of the extended-range Brahmos missile by a warship prior to its commissioning.
Imphal, the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, stands as a symbol of India’s prowess in indigenous shipbuilding. Crafted by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai, Imphal is a pinnacle of technological advancement in naval warfare.
The name ‘Imphal’ pays homage to the valiant Indian soldiers who fought in the historic Battle of Imphal during World War II. Beyond its historical significance, Imphal is a versatile and potent platform armed with state-of-the-art weapons and cutting-edge sensors.
This destroyer boasts an impressive overall length of 164 metres and a displacement of 7,400 tons. Remarkably, about 75% of the vessel incorporates indigenous components, including various armaments:
- Medium-range surface-to-air missiles (manufactured by BEL, Bangalore)
- BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles (developed by BrahMos Aerospace, New Delhi)
- Indigenous torpedo tube launchers (crafted by Larsen and Toubro, Mumbai)
- Anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers (engineered by Larsen and Toubro, Mumbai)
- 76mm super rapid gun mount (produced by BHEL, Haridwar)
The successful test-fire of the Brahmos missile signifies the warship’s advanced capabilities and readiness for deployment. This achievement underscores India’s stride towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing and reinforces the country’s commitment to bolstering its naval strength.
Sources By Agencies