India's maritime strength sees a surge with the recent addition of INS Imphal, marking another milestone for the Indian Navy. The newly inducted destroyer, INS Imphal, notably became the first warship named after a North-Eastern city. This formidable vessel represents the third guided missile destroyer of the Visakhapatnam category, following the commissioning of INS Visakhapatnam in 2021 and INS Mormugao in 2022. Anticipation surrounds the impending commissioning of INS Surat, expected to join the fleet next year.

However, Commodore Anil Jai Singh, Vice President of the Indian Maritime Foundation, suggests a long stretch ahead without new additions to the fleet after INS Surat's induction. He forecasts that the Indian Navy won't acquire another destroyer until 2030, emphasizing the continuation of the Project 15B class as an evolution from the earlier Project 15 Delhi and Project 15A Kolkata class destroyers.

Reflecting on the naval history, INS Delhi, the initial destroyer of its class, commenced service in 1997. This legacy traces its design collaboration between the Indian Navy and Russian shipbuilders.

A Halt in Destroyer Production: Implications and Concerns
The hiatus in destroyer production poses multifaceted challenges, as per Commodore Singh. He emphasizes the necessity of consistent series production for warships, stressing the importance of replacing aging platforms with new, tailored vessels aligned with the Navy's evolving requirements.

The gap in production cycles could result in two critical losses for the Navy. Firstly, it would create a capability gap, limiting the availability of desired destroyer types. Secondly, it risks losing the expertise of shipyard personnel involved in their construction due to potential departures and retirements.

Captain DK Sharma of the Indian Navy highlighted the constrained allocation of India's defense budget to the Navy. He outlined the Navy's need for aviation assets, mentioning acquisitions like Rafale and Sea Guardian, alongside ongoing projects such as Project 75 India focusing on submarines.

Optimism Amidst Concerns: India's Naval Advancements 
Despite the impending pause in destroyer production, Captain Sharma points to ongoing initiatives, including the construction of seven warships under Project 17A and plans for the next-generation Corvette upon approval.

Sharma further asserts the superiority of India's destroyer compared to its American counterpart. While initial Indian Navy destroyers are approaching the end of their service lives, some have already been decommissioned. However, Commodore Singh reassures that there's currently no immediate cause for alarm regarding this situation.

INS Imphal Commissioning Showcases India's Self-Reliance: Minister Singh

Indian Navy Sends 3 Warships After Drone Strikes Tanker in Arabian Sea