Visakhapatnam-class destroyer

The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, also classified as the P-15 Bravo class, or simply P-15B, is a class of guided-missile destroyers currently being built for the Indian Navy.<ref>"INS Visakhapatnam Commissioned into the Indian Navy: November 2021". 24 November 2021.</ref> The Visakhapatnam class is an upgraded derivative of its predecessor, the class, with improved features of stealth, automation and ordnance.<ref>"Indian Navy Commissions First P15B Destroyer INS Visakhapatnam". 21 November 2021.</ref>

Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), a total of four ships are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), under the Make in India initiative.<ref>"Indian Navy to commission first of four Visakhapatnam class destroyers on Nov 21". 16 November 2021.</ref> The first vessel of the class, INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned on 21 November 2021.<ref>"Indian Navy Receives Indigenous Guided-Missile Destroyer". 2 November 2021.</ref> The final ship of the class, INS Surat, was commissioned on 15 January 2025.<ref name=":3">"PM Modi commissions INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer: Key points". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 15 January 2025.</ref>

Design

Development

The destroyers were designed by the Warship Design Bureau, a branch of the Navy responsible for designing the service's warships, several among them including the -class submarines - India's first indigenously designed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, INS Vikrant - India's first indigenously designed aircraft carrier, and the -class destroyers.<ref>"Naval Designers' Journey From Nilgiri to Project 15B". www.spsnavalforces.com.</ref>

The destroyer was designed under the codename Project 15B. The project was initiated to develop a class of destroyers that are more advanced than the Kolkata-class destroyers (P-15A), but with only several, yet incremental alterations. This was done to minimize its development costs and time.<ref>"Indigenous Destroyer 'Imphal' Delivered". www.spsnavalforces.com. Retrieved 15 June 2024.</ref>

The design plans of the four vessels were completed by the WDB in mid-2013.<ref>"Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class - Program". www.globalsecurity.org.</ref>

Comparison to the Kolkata-class destroyers

A comparison of the Vishakapatnam-class and the Kolkata-class destroyers, with their design differences clearly visible.

The P-15B is a derivative of the Kolkata-class destroyers (P-15A), a class of three stealth guided-missile destroyers, which currently serve as the IN's frontline destroyers; both classes feature several differences, with regard to their respective designs. Some of the known changes are as follows :-

• Observed as one of the most distinctive features, the P-15B and the P-15A feature different bridge layouts; the P-15B's bridge was designed to minimize the vessel's radar cross-section (RCS) and enhance resilience.<ref>Vavasseur, Xavier (21 November 2021). "Indian Navy Commissions First P15B Destroyer INS Visakhapatnam". Naval News. Retrieved 15 June 2024.</ref>
• Unlike the P-15A, the P-15B features a "rail-less" helicopter traversing system meant for securing the vessel's helicopter, in the event of adverse weather conditions.
• The P-15B features a network-centric layout, equipped with a Ship Data Network (SDN), an Automatic Power Management System (APMS), as well as a Combat Management System (CMS).

Features

• The destroyers are equipped with a "Total Atmosphere Control System" (TAC), which allows them to operate in regions of nuclear fallout.<ref>"INS Vishakhapatnam — New era of force projection". www.spsnavalforces.com. 21 April 2015.</ref> Additionally, the destroyers are also equipped with nuclear, biological and chemical warfare (NBC) protective equipment, with its entire requirement of air being filtered through NBC filters.<ref>"INS Visakhapatnam: India's Most Potent Destroyer". www.rediff.com. 23 November 2021.</ref>
• An estimated 72% of the destroyers' components are indigenously sourced, as compared to 59% for the Kolkata-class destroyers and 42% for the -class destroyers.<ref>"5 Things That Make INS Vishakhapatnam Deadly Combination of Lethality And Stealth". www.india.com. 22 November 2021.</ref><ref name=":2">"India to commission 2 frontline warships & a sub in New Year in big boost to blue-water capabilities". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 December 2024.</ref>
• The destroyers feature multiple fire zones, battle damage control systems and distributional power systems for improved survivability and reliability in emergent conditions.<ref name = "Naval">"Project 15B Guided Missile Destroyers". www.naval-technology.com. 19 September 2016.</ref>
• The destroyers feature ergonomically designed accommodations based on modular concepts, which ensures a significant amount of crew comfort.<ref>"Indian Navy commissions stealth guided missile destroyer 'Vikramaditya'". www.domain-b.com. 21 November 2021.</ref>

Naming

In accordance with naval traditions, the P-15B destroyers were christened after major Indian cities with historical and cultural connections, namely, Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and Surat - representing the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Manipur and Gujarat.<ref>"From INS Vikrant to INS Imphal, how names of Indian Navy ships have evolved over the years". www.theprint.in. 25 April 2019.</ref> Notably, INS Imphal and INS Mormugao were the first two destroyers to be christened as namesakes of important cities from the regions of Northeastern India and Goa, respectively.<ref>"In a First, Indian Navy Names Warship After Northeast City". www.thewire.in. 22 April 2019.</ref><ref>"New Navy destroyer to be named after Goa port". www.deccanherald.com. 24 August 2016.</ref>

Instrumentation

Armament

• Anti-surface warfare

For its anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities, the class features sixteen Brahmos anti-ship cruise missiles, capable of speeds of up to Mach 3.<ref name = "BrahMos">"The BRAVO and the BRAHMOS". www.brahmand.com. 22 April 2015.</ref> Manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace.<ref name=":1">"THIRD PROJECT 15B INDIGENOUS DESTROYER IMPHAL DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY". Press Information Bureau. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2024.</ref> The BrahMos is widely regarded as one of the most formidable anti-ship missiles currently in service, given the missile's extreme versatility and maneuverability.<ref>Mizokami, Kyle (13 March 2015). "Bullseye: The 5 Most Deadly Anti-Ship Missiles of All Time". www.Bullseye: The 5 Most Deadly Anti-Ship Missiles of All Time.</ref>

Additionally, the vessels of the class are equipped with one OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun manufactured by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited at their Haridwar facility.<ref name=":1" /> Originally, the IN had planned to install the Mk-45 127 mm (5 in) naval gun, manufactured by BAE; however, this plan was scrapped in 2021, on account of financial constraints.<ref name="theprint">Snehesh, Alex Philip. "Navy to scrap plans to procure guns from US, considering 'Make in India' route now". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021.</ref>

• Anti-air warfare

As part of its anti-air warfare (AAW) capabilities, the class features thirty-two Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, with sixteen missiles present in four "2 x 4" VLS configurations - with two placed at the bow and two placed aft. The launchers were manufactured by Bharat Electronics at their Bangalore facility.<ref>"Indian Navy receives first P15B guided-missile destroyer". Indian Navy receives first P15B guided-missile destroyer. 31 October 2021.</ref><ref name=":1" />

The Barak 8, also classified as the LR-SAM, is designed to neutralize various aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV); the new variant is expected to feature a range of about 150 km (93 mi).<ref>"Indian Navy successfully tests Barak 8 interceptor missile: All you need to know". indiatoday.in. 30 December 2015.</ref>

For point defense, the vessels are equipped with four AK-630M close-in weapon systems (CIWS), with two systems on either side of the superstructure.<ref name="auto1">Defense, Alpha (21 November 2020). "INS Vishakhapatnam &#124; Vizag has Risen". Alpha Defense. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2021.</ref>

• Anti-submarine warfare

For its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the class features two twin torpedo launchers, designed to launch heavyweight torpedoes - such as the Varunastra heavyweight torpedo, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).<ref name="naval-technology.com"/><ref>"INS Visakhapatnam: Indian Navy's new stealth destroyer - INS Visakhapatnam".</ref> The class also features two RBU-6000 (RPK-8) anti-submarine rocket launchers, capable of firing ASW projectiles to depths of up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft).<ref name="naval-technology.com"/> Both the RBU-6000 and torpedo tubes were manufactured by Larsen & Toubro's Mumbai facility.<ref name=":1" />

• Aviation facilities

As part of its aviation facilities, the class is equipped with a flight deck and an enclosed aviation hangar, capable of two medium-sized helicopters – primarily the HAL Dhruv, or the Westland Sea King Mk. 42B.<ref name="naval-technology.com"/> Additionally, the ships are equipped with a "rail-less" helicopter traversing system, meant for securing the helicopter in case of adverse weather conditions at sea.<ref>office_zzam (28 December 2023). "India Navy commissions 3rd Visakhapatnam-class destroyer INS Imphal". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 25 August 2024.</ref>

• Decoys

As for the class' defensive abilities, each destroyer is equipped with two Kavach anti-missile decoy systems for neutralizing incoming aerial threats at short ranges.<ref name="auto1"/>

Sensors

• Radar

The class features the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S band active electronically scanned array radar, as its primary radar suite.<ref name="naval-technology.com"/> The EL/M-2248 is a multi-function, phased-array radar system featuring an azimuth of 360^o, with the capability to track both aerial and surface targets - at a range of over 450 km (280 mi).<ref>"ELM-2248 MF-STAR Multi-Function Digital AESA Radar". iai.co.il.</ref>

The class further features the Thales LW 08 (BEL RAWL-02) as its secondary radar suite.<ref><!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> (20 October 2023). "MDL delivers 3rd Visakhapatnam-class destroyer to Indian Navy". Naval News. Retrieved 15 June 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)</ref> The LW-08 is a solid-state, two-dimensional, long-range D band surveillance radar, meant for providing target acquisition against aerial and surface threats. It is capable of operating in a cluttered electronic environment, equipped with an instrumental range of 270 km (170 mi), with the capability to track both cruise missiles and fighter aircraft.<ref>"Jupiter - Radar Basics". www.radartutorial.eu (in Deutsch). Retrieved 15 June 2024.</ref>

• Sonar

The class is equipped with the BEL HUMSA-NG sonar, a hull-mounted "active cum passive" integrated sonar system developed by the DRDO.<ref>"HUMSA NG | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India". www.drdo.gov.in. Retrieved 15 June 2024.</ref><ref>"India gets P15B missile destroyer 2x8-cell VLS BrahMos AShMs". 18 May 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2024.</ref> The HUMSA-NG is capable of detecting, classifying and tracking sub-surface targets in both active and passive modes, with the capability to simultaneously track up to eight targets.<ref>"HUMSA-NG (MK 2)". BEL. Retrieved 15 June 2024.</ref> The destroyers are also equipped with the BEL Nagin active towed array sonar.<ref name="auto4">"INS Visakhapatnam:- India's Most Powerful Stealth Guided Missile P15B Destroyer". 24 December 2016.</ref>

• Electronic warfare

For electronic warfare (EW), the destroyers are equipped with the DRDL Shakti EW suite, designed to provide Indian warships an electronic layer of defence against modern radars and anti-ship missiles.<ref>"Prime Minister to Formally Handover DRDO Designed and Developed Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite 'Shakti' for Indian Naval Ships to Chief of Naval Staff". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 15 June 2024.</ref> Shakti is equipped with wideband electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic countermeasures (ECM), meant for intercepting, classifying and jamming both conventional and modern radars.<ref>"PM Modi hands over advanced Electronic Warfare System 'Shakti'". www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 19 November 2021.</ref> Additionally, the suite is also equipped with an in-built radar fingerprinting and data recording replay feature for post-mission analysis and evaluation.<ref>"PM Modi to handover DRDO designed advanced electronic warfare suite to Navy today". ANI News.</ref>

History

Background

In March 2009, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the arms-procurement wing of India's Ministry of Defence, approved the procurement of four 6,800 t destroyers, to be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL).<ref name="ajaishukla.com">"Project 15-B: Navy's destroyer project sets sail - Broadsword by Ajai Shukla - Strategy. Economics. Defence".</ref>

Designed as a "follow-on" project to the Kolkata-class destroyers, the new destroyers were envisaged to feature only incremental changes to the former, in order to minimize developmental time and costs.<ref name="ajaishukla.com"/> At the time of the project's approval, the four new destroyers were envisaged to be more cheaper than other destroyer classes being built at the time, namely, the -class destroyers, the Daring-class destroyers and the -class destroyers.<ref>"INS Visakhapatanam shows growing Indian ability to build warships economically". www.ajaishukla.com. 21 April 2015.</ref>

No competitive bidding was conducted for the development of the vessels, since MDL was the only Indian shipyard capable of building destroyers at the time.<ref>"Navy's destroyer project sets sail". www.rediff.com. 31 March 2009.</ref>

The contract for the four warships was signed on 28 January 2011, at an estimated cost of ₹29,643.74 crore (equivalent to ₹490 billion or US$6.9 billion in 2019).<ref>"Construction of Destroyer Surat and Frigate Udaygiri in advance stage, to be sea-launched next week". www.newindianexpress.com. 14 May 2022.</ref>

Construction

The unfinished hull of INS Visakhapatnam, on the day of its launch

The keel of the first vessel, INS Visakhapatnam, was laid by MDL in October 2013 and the ship was launched on 20 April 2015, in a ceremony attended by then-Indian naval chief Robin K. Dhowan.<ref>"India's largest warship, INS Visakhapatnam, unveiled in Mazgaon". www.hindustantimes.com. 20 April 2015.</ref> Originally slated to enter service in 2018, the delivery of the vessel was delayed by three years, owing to delays in the supply of the vessel's sensors and ordnance by foreign vendors.<ref>"Delivery of navy's destroyers delayed". www.deccanherald.com. 19 December 2017.</ref>

In July 2019, a minor fire broke aboard the unfinished-Visakhapatnam, leaving one contract worker dead and another two injured.<ref>"1 dead in INS Visakhapatnam fire; inquiry on". www.economictimes.indiatimes.com. 22 June 2019.</ref> Irrespectively, the fire was noted to have not caused any hindrance to the vessel's construction schedule; the shipyard's construction activities subsequently resumed without delay.<ref>"No impact of fire on completion schedule of warship 'Visakhapatnam': Officials". www.economictimes.indiatimes.com. 22 June 2019.</ref>

Visakhapatnam completed its basin trials in December 2020 and subsequently proceeded for its sea trials in 2021. Initially scheduled to be delivered in April 2021, the vessel was delivered on October 28, owing to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>"Indian Navy Looks Ahead To Fleet Expansion With INS Visakhapatnam Delivery". www.overtdefense.com. 2 November 2021.</ref> On 21 November 2021, Visakhapatnam was commissioned into the IN.<ref>"INS Visakhapatnam commissioned into Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 26 November 2022.</ref>

The second vessel of the class, Mormugao, was laid in June 2015 and launched in September of that year.<ref>"Indian Navy launches Mormugao, 2nd warship of Visakhpatnam class, in Mumbai". www.livemint.com. 17 September 2016.</ref><ref>"In pics: Mormugao, Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer, launched". 17 September 2016.</ref> Completing its basin trials in early-December 2021, the destroyer proceeded on its maiden sea sortie on 19 December, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Goa Liberation Day.<ref>"Mormugao, Indian Navy's Second Ship of the Project 15B, Sails for Maiden Sea Trials on Goa Liberation Day".</ref> Mormugao was delivered to the IN almost a year later, on 24 November 2022 and was commissioned on 18 December 2022.<ref>"DELIVERY OF THE SECOND SHIP OF PROJECT 15B Y 12705 (MORMUGAO)". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 26 November 2022.</ref>

Construction work on the third vessel, INS Imphal, began with the laying of its keel in May 2017; the hull was later launched on 20 April 2019, in a ceremony attended by then-Indian naval chief Sunil Lanba,<ref>"Indian Navy launches new stealthy guided missile destroyer — INS Imphal". www.theweek.in. 20 April 2019.</ref> and commenced sea trials on 28 April 2023.<ref>"IMPHAL, INDIAN NAVY'S THIRD SHIP OF PROJECT 15B SAILS FOR MAIDEN SEA TRIALS". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 28 April 2023.</ref> The ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October 2023, and was commissioned on 26 December 2023.<ref>"Fast-Track Construction of Indian Navy's Stealth Destroyers". www.cscr.pk. 17 January 2022.</ref><ref>"THIRD PROJECT 15B INDIGENOUS DESTROYER IMPHAL DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY". 20 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.</ref>

Construction on the final vessel of the class, INS Surat, began in July 2018; the hull was subsequently launched 17 May 2022, in a ceremony coinciding with the launch of INS Udaygiri, a Nilgiri-class frigate.<ref>"India Launches 4th P15B Destroyer And 2nd P17A Frigate". www.navalnews.com. 18 May 2022.</ref> On 18 June 2024, Surat begun her sea trials and shall be commissioned in the latter half of 2024.<ref name="X-270324">Template:Cite twitter</ref> Surat was commissioned on 15 January 2025.<ref name=":3" />

Operational history

BrahMos Launch during Operation Sindoor

On 11 January 2022, only two months after its commissioning, Visakhapatnam successfully test-fired an upgraded variant of the BrahMos anti-ship missile, which was subsequently followed by another successful test-fire on 18 February.<ref>"Indian Navy test-fires BrahMos supersonic missile onboard INS Visakhapatnam". Naval Technology. 12 January 2022.</ref><ref>"BrahMos supersonic missile successfully test-fired from INS Visakhapatnam". www.livemint.com. 18 February 2022.</ref> The destroyer later took part in the 12th edition of the IN's "Presidential Fleet Review" on 21 February 2022, an event which was attended by Indian president Ram Nath Kovind and Indian naval chief R. Hari Kumar.<ref>"CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF REVIEWS PREPARATIONS OF PRESIDENT'S FLEET REVIEW". pib.gov.in. 20 February 2022.</ref>

On 14 May 2023, INS Mormugao successfully fired BrahMos Supersonic cruise missile.<ref>"BrahMos supersonic missile firing from INS Mormugao hits 'bull's eye'". India Today. 14 May 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.</ref> It successfully carried out the engagement of a sea-skimming supersonic target with its MRSAM missile on 23 May 2023.<ref>vipin.vijayan. "MRSAM missile fired from INS Mormugao takes out supersonic target (WATCH)". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 12 June 2023.</ref>

Ships in the class

Name	Pennant	Yard No	Builder	Laid down	Launched	Commissioned	Status
Visakhapatnam	D66	12704	Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)	12 October 2013<ref>"Keel Laid for P15 Bravo Ships". The Times of India. Mumbai. 25 October 2013. Archived from the original on 22 February 2018.</ref><ref>"Mazagon Dock Keel Laying Ceremony" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 February 2014.</ref>	20 April 2015<ref name=":0">"First Indian Navy Project 15B – Visakhapatnam-class Destroyer Launched". 21 April 2015.</ref>	21 November 2021<ref>"Navy to commission 'vigilant', 'valiant' INS Visakhapatnam in Mumbai today". Hindustan Times. 21 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021.</ref><ref>"INS Visakhapatnam: Navy to commission missile destroyer ship today. 5 points". Mint. 21 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021.</ref>	Active
Mormugao	D67	12705		4 June 2015<ref>"Mazagon Dock News" (PDF). mazagondock.gov.in. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2016.</ref>	17 September 2016<ref>"Second warship of Visakhapatnam class launched in Mumbai". The Hindu Business Line. PTI. 17 September 2016.</ref>	24 December 2022 <ref>Shaikh, Ateeq (3 December 2022). "INS Mormugao: Indian Navy to commission the warship on Dec 18". Free Press Journal.</ref><ref>"Second Project 15B Destroyer Delivered To The Indian Navy". www.navalnews.com. 24 November 2022.</ref>
Imphal	D68	12706		19 May 2017<ref>"Keel laid for the third ship of P15B class destroyers". The Free Press Journal. 26 May 2017. Archived from the original on 22 September 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.</ref>	20 April 2019<ref name="imphal-launch">Sagar, Pradip (20 April 2019). "Indian Navy launches new stealthy guided missile destroyer — INS Imphal". The Week.</ref><ref>"Indian Navy launches guided missile destroyer INS Imphal". www.thehindu.com. 21 April 2019.</ref>	26 December 2023 <ref>Bose, Mrityunjay. "Imphal missile destroyer to be commissioned to Indian Navy on Dec 26". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 16 December 2023.</ref>
Surat	D69	12707		19 July 2018<ref name="p15b_surat">@ANI (16 November 2021). "Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally Commission INS Vishakhapatnam on Nov 21 in Mumbai. The next warships of the class would be named after important cities in the country including Mormogao, Imphal, and Surat: Navy Vice Admiral SN Ghormade" (Tweet) – via Twitter. </ref>	17 May 2022<ref>Dhar, Aniruddha (17 May 2022). "Rajnath Singh launches India-made 'Surat' and 'Udaygiri' warships in Mumbai". Hindustan Times.</ref><ref>"Watc - Surat & Udaygiri: India's new indigenous warships". www.thehindu.com. 23 May 2022.</ref><ref name="Surat">Shukla, Ajai (23 May 2022). "Rajnath Singh to launch two India-made warships in Mumbai on Tuesday". Business Standard India.</ref>	15 January 2025<ref name=":3" />

Gallery

• 
  INS Visakhapatnam, on the eve of its commissioning.
• 
  A overhead view of Visakhapatnam, with its weaponry and sensors clearly visible.
• 
  Mormugao - Y12705, second ship of Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer.
• 
  Mormugao - the second vessel of the class, photographed during its maiden sea trials.
• 
  Imphal, the third ship of the class, on sea trials.
• 
  Surat, the fourth ship of the class, on sea trials.
• 
  INS Surat, firing rockets.

See also

Other references to the Indian Navy

• Future of the Indian Navy
• List of destroyers of India
• List of active Indian Navy ships

Other destroyers of comparable configurations and capabilities

• Type 052D destroyer – a class of guided-missile destroyers being built for and currently operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy.
• Type 055 destroyer - is a class of stealth guided-missile destroyers (guided-missile cruisers per NATO/OSD standard) being constructed for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
• -class destroyer – a class of two guided-missile destroyers operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

External links

• Kolkata-class destroyer – Bharat Rakshak
• Aegis Vessels of the World – Kolkata-class – details on the specifications of the ship and recent images of INS Kolkata at sea.