Project 15 B: List of Ships, Features & Significance - UPSC Notes

Project 15 B is a special project by the Indian government to build powerful ships for the Indian Navy. These ships are called guided-missile destroyers, and they are designed to help India protect its waters and defend the country. The ships made under this project are equipped with the latest technology and weapons to face challenges at sea. The first ship, named INS Visakhapatnam, was commissioned in 2021. Project 15 B is important for making India stronger in the Indian Ocean, where it plays a key role in global security.

In UPSC exams, this topic is important for General Studies Paper II (which talks about governance, defense, and international relations) and General Studies Paper III (which deals with security issues and technological advancements). The project is also related to India’s efforts in becoming self-reliant in defense manufacturing.

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About Project 15 B

Project 15 B is a project to create advanced warships for the Indian Navy. These warships, also called destroyers, are meant to carry out many tasks at sea, such as protecting ships, defending against enemy aircraft, and attacking targets. These ships are being built with modern technology and better weapons than older ships. The ships of Project 15 B are bigger, faster, and more powerful than earlier ships, making India’s naval defense much stronger.

Background of Project 15 B

India has always been working to improve its defense and naval power. With the growing threats from neighboring countries and the importance of the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy needed better ships. This led to the creation of Project 15, which began with the building of older destroyers. After the success of these ships, India started Project 15 A, which introduced the INS Kolkata class ships. These ships were better, but Project 15 B ships are even more advanced.

India’s goal is to build these destroyers at home, rather than buying them from other countries. This is part of the country’s plan to become self-reliant in defense technology. The first ship from Project 15 B, INS Visakhapatnam, joined the Indian Navy in 2021. Other ships are also under construction, and they will strengthen India’s naval defense in the future.

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Project 15 B Ships List

Here is a list of the ships made under Project 15 B:

Ship Name	Ship Class	Status
INS Visakhapatnam	Guided-Missile Destroyer	Commissioned in 2021
INS Mormugao	Guided-Missile Destroyer	Commissioned in 2022
INS Imphal	Guided-Missile Destroyer	Commissioned in 2023
INS Surat	Guided-Missile Destroyer	Commissioned in 2025

These ships are being built in India, at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.

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Salient Features of Warships Under Project 15 B

The warships under Project 15 B come with many new features that make them powerful. Some of these features include:

• Stealth Design: These ships are built to be hard to detect by enemy radar. This is called stealth technology, and it helps the ship remain hidden from enemies.
• Advanced Guns: BrahMos-type missiles enable the ships to take on aggressive surface and air targets. Other guns are fitted to protect them from threats such as missiles and aircraft.
• Speed and Power: With strong engines that can propel them at great speed, the ships can, thus, achieve about 30 knots.
• Advanced Radar: These ships have special radar systems that can detect enemy targets from far away. This makes them ready to act quickly.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare: The ships are equipped with technology to find and destroy submarines, which are hidden underwater and can be dangerous.
• Advanced Communication: The ships can communicate easily with other ships and aircraft. This helps them work together in missions.

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Significance of Project 15 B

Project 15 B is important for India for many reasons:

• Stronger Navy: These new ships make the Indian Navy more powerful. They will help protect the country’s borders and interests in the Indian Ocean.
• Self-Reliance: By building these ships in India, India is becoming less dependent on other countries for military equipment. This is part of India’s plan to become stronger and independent in defense.

• Superior Technology: The very technology that these ships possess renders them safer and far more efficient in guarding India's contact with the sea.
• Global Presence: By these advanced ships, India would also be able to easily take part in global defense activities as it exhibits its strength to other countries.
• Multi-Role Ships: Like other ships, these ships are built for many tasks such as protection from other ships, fighting enemies in the air, and detection of enemy submarines. It makes them flexible in various situations.
• Strategic Importance: These ships have a more strategic role in securing the Indian Ocean, which acts as a busy trade route for many countries. Thus, they help India keep its act in the region.

A major step toward India's quest to build a stronger and more modern Navy, Project 15B is characterized by more potent ships with advanced technology to protect India's maritime interests and play a greater role in security worldwide. The success that has accompanied Project 15B gives evidence of the strengthening defense capability of India and its growing self-sufficiency in producing advanced warships. These warships will ensure that the Indian naval forces would be ready to meet any eventualities they may face in the Indian Ocean or possibly even beyond.

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Key Takeaways on Project 15 B for UPSC Aspirants Project 15 B Overview: Project 15 B is a defense initiative by the Indian Navy to build advanced guided-missile destroyers with cutting-edge technology and enhanced combat capabilities. Objective of the Project: The goal of Project 15 B is to strengthen India’s naval defense by developing warships capable of conducting multi-role operations such as defense, offense, and protection in the maritime domain. Self-Reliance in Defense: One of the primary objectives of Project 15 B is to make India self-reliant in defense manufacturing, with these destroyers being built domestically at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). Improved Naval Capabilities: Ships under Project 15 B are equipped with advanced stealth technology, modern weapons like BrahMos missiles, and sophisticated radar systems, making them more powerful and difficult to detect.

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