VISAKHAPATNAM: The first of P15-B stealth destroyers is scheduled to be launched at Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL), Monday. The MDL is launching the vessel in the conventional-end launching method with a launch weight of approximately 3,000 tons. The ship is slated to be christened ‘Visakhapatnam’ on commissioning in the Indian Navy. The process the ship being put to sea for the first time from the slipway is called launching.
The 163-metre-long ship, propelled by four gas turbines, is designed to achieve a speed of over 30 knots at a displacement of about 7,300 tons. The indigenously designed stealth destroyer will have state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, an advanced Action Information System, Integrated Platform Management system, sophisticated power distribution system and a host of other advanced features.
It will be fitted with supersonic surface-to-surface missile system. The system enables the ship to engage shore-based and naval surface targets at long range making it a lethal platform for strike against enemy targets. The ship’s air defence capability, designed to counter the threat of enemy aircraft and anti-ship cruise missiles, will revolve around the vertical launch and long range surface-to-air missile system.
Four 30-mm rapid-fire guns will provide the ship with close-in-defence capability while an MR gun will enable her to provide effective naval gunfire support. Indigenously developed twin tube torpedo launchers and rocket launchers will add punch to the ship’s anti-submarine capability.
‘Visakhapatnam’ is the result of the dedicated efforts of various departments of MDL, ably guided by Warship Overseeing Team, Mumbai, at all stages of her progress. Significantly the integration, supported by the advanced Vertical Launch Missile System, the Multifunction Radar System and the hull mounted bow sonar is envisaged during the construction phase.
The indigenisation content in P15-B class destroyers is a notch above her illustrious predecessors in line with the ‘Make in India’ policy of the Union Government. The vessel is expected to be commissioned in the Navy in 2018.
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The P15-B stealth destroyers are designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house design organisation i.e. Directorate of Naval Design. The design of the project 15-B destroyers marks the Navy’s firm commitment towards achieving indigenisation by using high-end technology in the field of weapons, sensors, machinery and stealth. Mazagaon Docks Limited, India’s premier warship building yard, is engaged in producing sophisticated world class warships and submarines. At present, four destroyers and six submarines are under various stages of construction.