The ship will add significantly to the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities, the Ministry of Defence said

Indian Navy's second indigenous stealth destroyer of the P15B class, ‘Mormugao’ planned to be commissioned in mid-2022, proceeded on its maiden sea sortie on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day on Sunday.

“December 19 is perhaps the most befitting date for the ship to be put to sea as today the nation celebrates 60 years of Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

‘Mormugao’, built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDSL) as part of the Project 15B destroyers, incorporates several niche indigenous technologies and is a shining example of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Defence said adding that the ship has provided thrust and impetus to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

‘Mormugao’ will add significantly to the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities, the Ministry said.

With the commissioning in November 2021 of INS Visakhapatnam and the fourth P75 submarine INS Vela, commencement of sea trials of ‘Mormugao’ is testimony to the cutting-edge capabilities of MDSL and the strong indigenous shipbuilding tradition of a modern and vibrant India,

The Indian Navy played a pivotal role in the liberation and dedicating the ship's name to the maritime state of Goa will not just enhance the bonding between the Indian Navy and the people of Goa, but also link the ship's identity permanently to the crucial role the Navy played in nation-building.