The Indian Navy has recently commissioned INS Mormugao, the second of the four Vishakhapatnam-class destroyers, in December 2022. The ship, which was designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, marks a significant addition to India’s naval power. INS Mormugao has already demonstrated its capability during its maiden BrahMos supersonic cruise missile firing, where it hit the ‘bull’s eye’ on Sunday.
The Second Destroyer of Project 15B
INS Mormugao, named after a port in Goa, is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon systems such as surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles. It also has modern surveillance radar and capabilities for anti-submarine warfare provided by indigenously developed torpedo launchers and rocket launchers. Furthermore, the ship can defend against biological, chemical, and nuclear warfare. The destroyer is one of the world’s most technologically advanced missile carriers.
BrahMos Missile – A Potent Weapon
The BrahMos missile is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine. Upon separation, the missile acquires supersonic speed. INS Mormugao’s successful BrahMos missile firing highlights the ship’s firepower and the potent weapon’s capabilities. The missile’s range and precision make it a lethal asset for the Indian Navy. It is a significant addition to India’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) campaign, as both the missile and the ship are indigenous.
A Boost to India’s Naval Power
INS Mormugao’s commissioning and successful BrahMos missile firing marks a significant boost to India’s naval power. It demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance and technological advancements in shipbuilding and missile development. The Vishakhapatnam-class destroyers will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, where the competition is rising between regional and global powers.