The first ship of the project, guided-missile destroyer ‘Visakhapatnam’, was launched on April 20, 2015.
The second ship of the Project 15B, a guided missile destroyer christened ‘Mormugao’ for Indian Navy, will be launched at Mumbai September 17.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) has manufactured the second ship of the Project 15B.
In January 2011, the Cabinet Committee on Security gave approval for a follow-on order of four more destroyers under Project 15B.
Project 15B will retain the same hull as 15A Kolkata-class destroyers, but there will be significant changes in the superstructure that will improve the ship’s stealth characteristics.
The four ships of Project 15B ships being built at MDL, Mumbai have been designed indigenously by the Directorate of Naval Design, Delhi and bear testimony to the acclaimed legacy of Naval designers.
With adisplacement of 7300 tons, each ship will be spanning 163 meters in length and17.4 meters at the beam and will be propelled by four gas turbines to achievespeed in excess of 30 knots.
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.