In this era of globalisation, almost all nations are dependent on each other in the field of trade and hence rule-based freedom of navigation and security of sea lanes have become more important than ever for stability and economic progress of the world, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday. He was speaking in Mumbai at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mormugao, the second of four stealth guided missile destroyers being built under Project-15B.

Named after the historic port city of Goa on the west coast, Mormugao, the ship was commissioned on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule.

“Economic, political and trade relations between countries are constantly evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic, situation in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Ukraine — it directly or indirectly impacts every country in one way or another,” Mr. Singh said.

During the ceremony, the Commanding Officer, Captain Kapil Bhatia, read out the Ship’s Commissioning Warrant. Subsequently, the Naval Ensign was hoisted onboard for the first time and the Commissioning Pennant broken (unfurled) on the main mast to the National Anthem played by the Naval Band, a Defence Ministry statement said.

“With over 75% indigenous content, it [INS Mormugao] is a testimony to India’s excellence in design and development of warships and a shining example of our growing indigenous defence production capabilities. The warship will meet the present and future needs of our country and of our friendly countries,” Mr. Singh said.

Stating that the country’s growing economy is directly connected to increasing trade, most of which is through sea routes, Mr. Singh said India’s interests are directly linked to the Indian Ocean. India being an important country in this region, the role of the Indian Navy becomes more important in its security, he added.

The 163-metre-long warship has a full-load displacement of 7,400 tonnes. “The overall indigenous content of the project is approximately 75%,” the Navy said.

The contract for construction of four ships under Project-15B was signed in January 2011 at a project cost of about ₹29,643.74 crore. The design of the ships has been developed in-house by the Directorate of Naval Design and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai. They are a follow-on of the Kolkata class destroyers and named after major cities from all four corners of the country — Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and Surat. INS Visakhapatnam, was commissioned in 2021. INS Imphal and INS Surat are at various stages of outfitting and trials.

INS Mormugao is propelled by four powerful gas turbines capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots, the Navy said, stating that it has enhanced stealth features resulting in a reduced radar cross section.

These ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range surface-to-air missiles. Some of the major indigenised equipment and systems aboard INS Mormugao include surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, torpedo tubes and launchers, anti-submarine rocket launchers and super rapid gun mount, besides combat management system, integrated platform management system, automated power management system, foldable hangar doors, helo-traversing system, close-in weapon system, and bow-mounted SONAR, the Navy said.