INS Visakhapatnam

On 21st November 2021, INS Visakhapatnam, the first of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth-missile guided missile destroyers, was commissioned into the ranks of the Indian Navy.

It is the first of four ships to be constructed under Project-15B, using indigenous steel DMR 249A and is amongst the largest destroyers constructed in India.

The induction of the INS Visakhapatnam will enhance India’s maritime security capabilities in the Indian Ocean as well as the wider Indo-Pacific region. This article will give further details about the INS Visakhapatnam within the context of the IAS Exam.

INS Visakhapatnam – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here

Brief History and Details about INS Visakhapatnam

Project 15B was officially launched in 2011, where construction of the ships would be undertaken by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. The class of ships would be designated as Visakhapatnam

The keel of the first and the lead ship was laid on October 12, 2013 and was launched on 20 April 20, 2015. As part of the Make in India initiative, the materials were locally provided, with some components such as the stabilizer and the steering system being manufactured by Larsen & Toubro.

Sea trials were started in 2020 after its construction was completed. Following the completion of the sea trials, the INS Visakhapatnam was received by the Navy on 20 October 2021 and was commissioned by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 21st November 2021 at Mumbai.

Characteristics of the INS Visakhapatnam is listed in the table below:

What  are Visakhapatnam Class Destroyers?

Visakhapatnam Class Destroyers also known as P-15 Bravo (P-15B) are a class of guided-missile destroyers which in turn are modified versions of the Kolkata Class Destroyers.

A guided-missile destroyer is a warship primarily designed to launch guided anti-aircraft missiles. Additionally, they also carry our anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-surface operations.

Under project P-15 Bravo, the following ships, apart from INS Visakhapatnam, are slated to be under construction.

• Mormugao
• Imphal
• Sura

In terms of physical characteristics, the Visakhapatnam Class Destroyers are different from their Kolkata-class counterparts. However, they are different in terms of equipment:

• They are armed with Mark 45 127 mm naval guns, while the Kolkata-class is armed with OTO Malera 76 MM guns.
• The sonar in Visakhapatnam-class destroyers are located at the bow instead of the hull.
• A “rail-less” helicopter traversing system to secure the helicopter, in case of adverse weather conditions at sea.