The First ship of Project-15B, a Guided Missile Destroyer Visakhapatnam was launched on 20 April 2015 at Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai. It is the largest missile destroyer commissioned in India till now.
In keeping with the nautical traditions, the ship was launched by Minu Dhowan, wife of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Highlights of Visakhapatnam
This warship is entirely made of Indian steel. It is 163-metre-long vessel and weighs approximately 3000 tons.
It is propelled by four gas turbines and is capable to achieve maximum speed of over 30 knots at a displacement of approximately 7300 tons.
It is fitted with modern weapons including advance Action Information System (AIS), Integrated Platform Management system (IPMS), sophisticated Power Distribution System (PDS) and a Combat Management System.
It is also equipped with the Israeli Multi-Function Surveillance Threat Alert Radar (MF-STAR). MF-STAR will provide it with targeting information to 32 Barak 8 long-range surface-to-air missiles on board the warship.
It will also be carrying 8 BrahMos missiles.
It has four 30 mm rapid-fire guns which will provide the ship with close-in-defence capability and also has an MR gun that will enable ship to provide effective naval gunfire support.
Background
The four ships of Project 15B have been designed indigenously by the Directorate of Naval Design, Delhi and bear testimony to the acclaimed legacy of Naval designers.
The P15B destroyers incorporate new design concepts for improved survivability, sea keeping, stealth and manoeuvrability. Enhanced stealth features have been achieved through shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fittings which make these ships difficult to detect. These ships will be equipped to carry and operate two multiple role helicopters.
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