India launches hull of third Project 15B destroyer Imphal

April 23, 2019, by navaltoday

Indian shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited hosted a launching ceremony for the Indian Navy’s third Project 15B destroyer at its Mumbai shipyard on April 20.

Imphal, as the third unit is the class will be named, entered water with a launch weight of 3,037 tonnes.

The 163-meter will displace 7,300 tonnes once fully fitted out.

India’s indigenous Visakhapatnam-class destroyers are an evolution of the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers that entered service between 2014 and 2016.

Propelled by four gas turbines, the ships will be capable of achieving speed in excess of 30 knots. They will also have stealth features achieved through shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fittings. The destroyers will carry and operate two multi-role helicopters.

The first ship in the class is expected to enter service in 2021.