What is INS Mumbai?

About INS Mumbai:

• INS Mumbai is the third of the Delhi-class guided missile destroyers, indigenously built and commissioned into the Indian Navy on 22 January 2001.
• It was constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
• She was adjudged the ‘Best Ship’ thrice and the ‘Most Spirited Ship’ twice, which is a rare feat for any warship.
• The ship has been at the forefront of major Naval Operations like Op Parakram (2002), Op Sukoon (2006: evacuation of Indian, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan citizens from Lebanon), and Op Rahat (2015: evacuation of Indian and foreign nationals from Yemen).
• The ship completed its mid-life upgrade and joined the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on 8 December 2023.
• Features:
  • With a displacement of over 6500 tons, the ship is manned by 350 sailors and 40 officers.
  • The ship, spanning 163 metres in length and 17 metres at the beam, propelled by four gas turbines, is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 32 knots.
  • Fitted with an enviable, state-of-the-art weapons suite, which includes Surface to Surface Missiles, Surface to Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine rockets, and torpedoes, the ship can unleash lethal firepower upon the enemy.
  • The ship also operates all kinds helicopters in the naval inventory, which are its extended eyes and ears. 

Q1: What are Guided missile destroyers?

Guided missile destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. They are armed with guided missiles for anti-aircraft warfare, anti-surface operations and anti-submarine warfare. Because of the speed, maneuverability and striking capability, the guided missile destroyers are a key asset in various types of naval operations, mainly offensive.

Source: Indian naval ship INS Mumbai to make first visit to Sri Lanka on August 26