INDIAN NAVY CONDUCTS FIRST SEA TRIALS FOR MORMUGAO
Highlights
- The maiden sea voyage of the warship has been built under the project P-15B.
- Its development coincides with the 60th anniversary of liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule. Mormugao is the second indigenous stealth destroyer, that is being built under Project P-15B.
- It is likely to be commissioned in mid-2022.
Who is building Mormugao?
- Stealth destroyer Mormugao is being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDSL).
First Ship under project P-15B
- INS Visakhapatnam was the first ship built under project P-15B. The ship was commissioned into Indian Navy on November 21, 2021 in Mumbai.
India’s Destroyer Construction Program
- Indigenous Destroyer construction program of India was commenced in late 1990s with three Delhi class (P-15 class) warships. It was followed by three Kolkata class (P-15A) destroyers.
About Project-15B
- Under this project, a total of four warships have been planned namely, Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and Surat.
- These Guided missile destroyers are under construction at M/s Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.
- Contract for these ships was signed in 2011. These ships are counted among most technologically advanced Guided Missile Destroyers worldwide.
- It comprises of features like state-of-the-art weapon or sensor package, high degree of automation and advanced stealth features.
Features of P-15B Ships
- P-15B Ships are equipped with long0range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
- It is also equipped with various indigenous weapons systems like medium range SAMs, antisubmarine indigenous rocket launchers, indigenous torpedo tube launchers and 76-mm super rapid gun mount.
Four ships of the project
- Visakhapatnam: It was delivered to the Indian Navy, in November 2021.
- Mormugao: It was launched in 2016 and its harbour trial was conducted recently.
- Imphal: It was launched in 2019. Currently, it is at an advanced stage of outfitting.
- Surat: It is under block erection. The ship is scheduled to be launched in 2022.