Navy gets \'Imphal\' that can fire Brahmos, Barak-8 missiles

Kolkata: INS Imphal, the third Project 15B Class guided missile destroyer which can fire supersonic surface-to-surface ‘Brahmos’ missiles and ‘Barak-8’ medium range surface to air missiles, was delivered by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to the Indian Navy in Mumbai on Friday, more than four months ahead of the contractual time.

The warship, the MDL, said, "is armed with supersonic surface-to-surface ‘Brahmos’ missiles and ‘Barak-8’ medium range surface to air missiles. It is the first amongst all P15B ships which is to be fitted with upgraded Brahmos missiles having dual role capability of long range and land attack."

It elaborated, "Towards undersea warfare capability the destroyer is fitted with indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons and sensors, prominently the Hull mounted Sonar Humsa NG, heavy weight Torpedo Tube Launchers and ASW Rocket Launchers."

The defence PSU added, "Significantly more versatile than the previous classes of Destroyer and Frigates in Naval inventory, the Imphal’s all-round capability against enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles and fighter aircraft will enable it to operate independently without supporting vessels."

This warship, with an overall length of 164 meters and a displacement of over 7500 tons, has completed all sea trials in three Contractor’s Sea Trials (CST) including firing of major critical weapons in the very first CST.

Imphal is the first naval warship being commissioned with accommodation of women officers and sailors. It can accommodate 312 crew members, has an endurance of 4000 nautical miles and can carry out a typical 42 days mission with extended mission time in out of area operation. The ship is also equipped with two helicopters onboard.