The Indian Navy has received its second P15B stealth guided-missile destroyer from local firm Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
The delivery, which took place on Thursday, was part of a 2011 agreement to develop four ships under the navy’s Project 15B.
The first ship in the project, INS Visakhapatnam, has been in service with the Indian Navy since last year.
Two more P15B destroyers, named after major cities in India, are expected to be in service by 2023.
Features and Capabilities
The P15B Mormugao has a length of 163 meters and a total displacement of 7,400 tons when fully loaded.
It can travel at a maximum speed of 30 knots (55 kilometers/34 miles per hour).
The ship is fitted with indigenous weapons and equipment, such as medium-range surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, and 76-millimeter Super Rapid gun mounts.
It also features domestically-made torpedo tube launchers and anti-submarine rocket launchers.
According to the Indian Navy, the P15B destroyers offer improved survivability, seakeeping, stealth, and maneuverability.
They will be capable of carrying and operating up to two multi-role helicopters.
Development of the four ships under Project 15B is part of the “Make in India” initiative, which aims to make the country self-reliant in defense.