INS Mormugao

Why in the News?

The second of the Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyers built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL), INS Mormugao (Pennant D67), was commissioned into the Indian Navy.

INS Mormugao

  • History: Named after the historic port city of Goa on the west coast.
    • Launched on September 17, 2016, and commenced sea trials in 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.
  • Development: 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.
  • Specifications and weaponry: 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 Missiles and Surface-to-Air Missiles.
    • The ship is equipped with a cutting-edge surveillance radar that gives the gunnery weapon systems target information.
    • Its Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers, and ASW helicopters were all created domestically, which gives it the ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare.
    • The ship is outfitted to battle in situations involving nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare.
    • It is propelled by four strong gas turbines that work together as a combined gas and gas engine to reach speeds of more than 30 knots.
    • The ship has improved stealth characteristics, which results in a smaller radar cross section.
    • About 300 people work on board INS Mormugao.

P15B destroyers

  • P15B destroyers incorporate new design concepts for improved survivability, seakeeping, and maneuverability.
  • 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’.