Indian Navy’s third indigenous state-of-the-art stealth destroyer Imphal, scheduled to be commissioned later this year, undertook her maiden sea sortie on Friday, according to information provided by the Defence Ministry.

The warship, designed in-house by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai, incorporates several niche technologies with high indigenous content. It stands proud testimony to the Indian Navy’s thrust on the national vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ and PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Imphal will have the unique distinction of being the largest and most advanced destroyer to be ever named after a city from the North-East. Imphal would thus be a befitting symbol of the growing importance and contribution of the North-Eastern region and the state of Manipur towards national security and development, the statement explained.

Imphal will add significantly to the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities. With the recent commissioning of her predecessor INS Mormugao in December 2022 and the fifth Project 75 submarine INS Vagir in January 2023.

The commencement of sea trials by Imphal is yet another important milestone in MDL’s continued contribution towards building a strong, modern and self-reliant India, the statement added.