iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Amidst growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, India commissioned its second warship of P15B class of stealth guided-missile destroyer – Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mormugao (D67) – at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on December 18, 2022.
The event marked the formal induction of the second of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organization Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
Measuring 163 meters in length and 17 meters in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, INS Mormugao is packed with sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons and sensors such as Surface-to-Surface Missiles and Surface-to-Air Missiles. The ship is fitted with a modern Surveillance Radar which provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems. Its Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities are provided by indigenously-developed Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers, and ASW helicopters.
Named after the historic port city of Goa on the west coast, the ship is equipped to fight under nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare conditions. Propelled by four powerful gas turbines the warship is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots. The ship has enhanced stealth features resulting in a reduced Radar Cross Section. INS Mormugao has a complement of about 300 personnel.
With over 75% indigenous content, all her major weapons and sensors have been developed and manufactured in India either directly through design and development by Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or through strategic tie-ups and Transfer of Technology with reputed foreign OEMs.
P15B destroyers incorporate new design concepts for improved survivability, seakeeping, and maneuverability. Enhanced stealth has also been achieved, making the ships difficult to detect. With a significantly increased indigenous content, P15B destroyers are a hallmark of self-reliance in warship design.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said at the event that the commissioning of INS Mormugao is indicative of the large strides India has taken in warship design and building capability over the last decade. He added that the warship is a true illustration of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives and it reinforces the Navy’s commitment to supporting India’s transformation into a global ship-building hub. “The warship, with her multi-dimensional combat capability, will form part of the Western Fleet – the sword arm of the Indian Navy,” he said.
Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, said that INS Mormugao is one of the most powerful indigenously-built warships which will significantly enhance the country’s maritime capabilities and secure national interests. “INS Mormugao is one of the world’s most technologically-advanced missile carriers. With over 75% indigenous content, it is a testimony to India’s excellence in the design and development of warships and a shining example of our growing indigenous defense production capabilities. The warship will meet the present and future needs of our country as well as of our friendly countries across the globe.” Singh commended the Indian Navy and MDL for the commissioning of INS Mormugao.
He said that safeguarding India’s interests in the Indian Ocean Region is the prime responsibility of the Navy. “Our growing economy is directly connected to the increasing trade, most of which is through sea routes. Our interest is linked to the Indian Ocean. Being an important country in this region, the role of Indian Navy becomes more important in its security,” he said.
Singh stressed the government’s “resolve to prepare the nation to deal with any situation arising due to the rapidly changing global scenario”. He said it is the Government’s top priority to continue strengthening the security infrastructure by equipping the military with state-of-the-art indigenous weapons and equipment.
“Economic, political, and trade ties between countries are constantly evolving. The Covid-19 pandemic situation in the middle east, Afghanistan, and now Ukraine directly or indirectly impacts every country in one way or another. Rule-based freedom of navigation and security of sea lanes have become more important than ever for stability and economic progress of the world,” he stated.
While praising MDL for growing in stature by building new ships with state-of-the-art technologies, he urged the firm and other shipbuilding companies to enhance their capabilities by taking advantage of the government’s initiatives and moving towards making India an indigenous shipbuilding hub.