INS Imphal: PM Modi says 'proud moment for India'. Key facts about Navy's new warship

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the commissioning of INS Imphal, emphasizing that it signifies a moment of great accomplishment for India and underscores the nation's increasing self-reliance in defense. Modi lauded the naval excellence and engineering prowess demonstrated by the commissioning of INS Imphal, describing it as a significant milestone for Aatmanirbharta, India's self-reliance initiative. In a post on a social media platform X, he said: "Proud moment for India as INS Imphal has been commissioned into our Navy, a testament to India's growing self-reliance in defence. It epitomises our naval excellence and engineering prowess. Compliments to everyone involved in this milestone for Aatmanirbharta. We shall keep securing our seas and strengthening our nation."

The commissioning ceremony took place in Mumbai, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh present to inaugurate the stealth guided missile destroyer INS Imphal. The warship possesses the capability to launch extended-range supersonic BrahMos missiles, further enhancing India's naval capabilities. INS Imphal holds historical significance as it is the first warship named after a city in northeast India.

One distinctive aspect of INS Imphal is its high level of indigenization, reaching approximately 75%. This underscores the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government toward achieving 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India.


INS Imphal belongs to the 'Visakhapatnam' class destroyers, being the third of four such indigenous vessels designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The ship, measuring 163 meters in length, 17 meters in breadth, and with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, stands out as one of the most formidable warships produced in India. Its propulsion is facilitated by four powerful Gas Turbines in a Combined Gas & Gas configuration, allowing it to achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots.


During the commissioning ceremony, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised INS Imphal as a shining example of 'Aatmanirbharta' in defense, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy, MDL, and all other stakeholders in contributing to national security. Singh emphasized the conglomeration of different strengths from various entities, including the installation of Brahmos missiles by Brahmos Aerospace, torpedo tube launchers by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), rapid gun mounts by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and medium-range missiles by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The involvement of numerous start-ups and MSMEs in the construction further underscores the inclusive nature of this national project, he said.

Singh urged citizens to work together for the collective progress of the nation, drawing parallels between the diverse contributions that shaped INS Imphal and the need for a unified effort for India's development. He emphasized the role of every citizen as a guardian of India's security and progress.

The Chief of the Naval Staff expressed confidence in the upcoming commissioning of the fourth Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, 'Surat,' in 2024. INS Imphal follows the commissioning of two destroyers of the same class, INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao, in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Prior to its commissioning, INS Imphal successfully conducted the first-ever test-firing of an extended-range BrahMos missile, attesting to its readiness for combat. With a complement of about 315 personnel, the ship boasts enhanced stealth features, reduced Radar Cross Section, and a comprehensive array of sophisticated weapons and sensors. Equipped to operate under Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical warfare conditions