Mumbai: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mormugao (D67), second warship of the P15B class of stealth guided-missile destroyers, was commissioned in the august presence of defence minister Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard, here on Sunday.
The event marked the formal induction of the second of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
Example of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence
In his address, Singh described INS Mormugao as 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 design and development of warships and a shining example of our growing indigenous defence production capabilities. The warship will meet the present and future needs of our country as well as of our friendly countries across the globe,” he said.
Navy securing maritime interests & contributing to socio-economic progress
The Indian Navy and MDL for the commissioning of INS Mormugao is the result of the hard work, dedication and aspirations of the engineers, technicians, designers and scientists, said the minister, adding that it was a matter of great pride for India. He said that the Indian Navy is not only safeguarding maritime interests, but also contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress of the country.
Singh described safeguarding India’s interests in the Indian ocean region as 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 directly linked to the Indian ocean. Being an important country in this region, the role of Indian Navy becomes more important in its security. It is heartening to see that they are discharging their duties successfully,” he said.
INS Mormugao – India’s giant leap in warship building capabilities
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said 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 ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiative 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.
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About INS Mormugao
Measuring 163m in length and 17m 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 missile 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 the indigenously-developed rocket launchers, torpedo launchers and the 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. It is propelled by four powerful gas turbines, in a combined gas and gas configuration, 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
P15B destroyers incorporate new design concepts for improved survivability, sea-keeping and manoeuvrability. 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 and building and a shining example of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
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Vision & aim
With power dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region constantly changing, the ship’s all-domain capability will augment the Indian Navy’s mobility, reach and flexibility to accomplish any mission or task. Induction of the ship into the Navy also reflects India’s growing ability to remain First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the region.
History
The ship was launched on September 17, 2016 and commenced sea trials on December 19, 2021, coinciding with 60 years of Goa Liberation. The commissioning on 18 December is significant as it was the same date in 1961 when Operation Vijay was launched to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule. Singh, in his address, paid glowing tributes to former Raksha Mantri late Manohar Parrikar, who hailed from Goa and had launched INS Mormugao in 2016.
