The Indian Navy has taken a significant step forward in its journey towards self-reliance with the commissioning of the INS Mormugao, the second ship of the Project 15B or Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. The ceremony, which took place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, was attended by the Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, and marked the formal induction of the second of the four indigenously designed and constructed destroyers.

 

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The INS Mormugao is a true testament to India's excellence in warship design and development, with over 75% of its content being indigenous. The vessel is equipped with a range of advanced missile systems, including the BrahMos Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, and Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers. Its cutting-edge stealth features, including radar-transparent deck fittings and a redesigned bridge area, make it difficult to detect, and its 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount and Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers further enhance its multi-dimensional combat capability.

 

The commissioning of the INS Mormugao is a major milestone for India's Make in India initiative and reinforces the country's commitment to becoming a global shipbuilding hub. The warship, with its advanced technology and indigenous content, will meet the present and future needs of not only India but also friendly countries across the globe.

 

The Project 15B destroyers, of which four are set to be commissioned, were designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. They are named after major cities from all four corners of India, including Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat. The ships are 163 meters long, 17 meters wide, and displace 7400 tonnes when fully loaded, with a maximum speed of 30 knots.

 

In conclusion, The INS Mormugao is a shining example of India's growing indigenous defense production capabilities and reinforces the Navy's commitment to supporting India's transformation into a global ship-building hub. The commissioning of the second Project 15B destroyer is a significant step forward in India's journey towards self-reliance, and it will meet the present and future needs of not only India but also friendly countries across the globe. Image: Indian Navy/Twitter