The Indian Navy has got another stealth-guided missile destroyer with the commissioning of INS Mormugao (named after the port city in Goa) by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on the eve of Goa liberation day, on December 18th.

INS Mormugao is 163 metres long and 17 metres wide. It is stealth destroyer that has maximized on indigenous inputs has a displacement of 7,400 tonnes with a maximum speed of 30 knots (over 55kmph).

According to the Ministry of Defence, Its "overall indigenous content is approximately 75 per cent" and it is fitted with "myriad indigenous equipment" as also major indigenous weapons.

INS Mormugao is armed with several indigenous weapons including medium-range surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles which has a  range between 290 km to 450 km.

It also come with indigenous torpedo tube launchers (Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai), anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers (Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai) and 76mm super rapid gun mount (BHEL, Haridwar) as well as different gun systems with a wide range sensors.

It will also be equipped to carry and operate two multiple-role helicopters and an array of state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including multi-functional surveillance radars and vertically launched missile system for long distance engagement of shore, sea-based and air targets.

INS Mormugao was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDSL) as part of the Project 15B destroyers or the Visakhapatnam-class.

Project 15B brings stealth destroyers with maximized indigenous inputs and incorporate new design concepts for improved survivability, seakeeping and manoeuvrability. Enhanced stealth also makes the ships difficult to detect, making it an outstanding  example been given by the Government of India and the Indian Navy towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat as part of 75 years of Indian Independence.

There are total four ships in the project, designed by Indian Navy's, Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai. These will be placed in Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and Surat.

The time when the world has it's eyes on the Indian Ocean, India has set an objective of being a net security provider in the the South Asian region. The induction of new vessel would strengthen the maritime prowess of the country in the region.