Project-18 NGD: India developing Next-Gen Destroyer that can carry 144 missiles, including BrahMos, and track enemies 500 km away

Source : The Economic Times

Project-18 Next Generation Destroyers of the Indian Navy (CGI by X/@Raghunandan_05)

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The Indian Navy is reportedly working on the Project-18 (P-18) next-generation destroyer, which is expected to significantly surpass the size and capabilities of the existing Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. With an estimated displacement of approximately 13,000 tonnes, the new vessel would be the largest in the Indian fleet and may be classified as a cruiser under international conventions, which apply to warships exceeding 10,000 tonnes.

Speaking in December 2023, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, stated, “The Indian Navy has started work on building the next generation of more advanced and capable destroyers, and plans for these vessels are already on the drawing board.” The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, currently the Navy’s largest, displace around 7,450 tonnes and are fitted with 48 vertical launch systems (VLS). In comparison, the P-18 under development includes 144 VLS cells that will support a range of missiles for various mission roles.

Advanced radar and sensor suite for multi-role capability

The warship features four large active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars integrated into the superstructure. These are believed to be long-range multifunction radars developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The radar suite includes an S-band active array as the primary radar, a volume search radar, and a multi-sensor mast, providing 360-degree surveillance and tracking of aerial and surface threats. The systems, jointly developed by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), reportedly have a range exceeding 500 km.

Project‑18 Destroyer: India’s next-gen 13,000‑ton stealth warship with 144 VLS, 75% indigenous IEP, AESA radars & DEW-ready design. Future-ready, modular, & hypersonic-capable—putting India alongside Type‑055 & Arleigh Burke. #Project18 #IndianNavy #DefenseTech #MakeInIndiaAsk pic.twitter.com/HzZmVHMTG1

— Nikhil Maurya (@nikhilhatesyou) July 28, 2025

Missile configuration supports layered defense and strike roles

The destroyer will carry a combination of missile systems across its 144 VLS cells:

•  32 cells at the stern are dedicated to the under-development PGLRSAM, a long-range surface-to-air missile with a range of 250 km, intended to intercept enemy aircraft and ballistic missile threats.
•  48 cells will house the BrahMos extended-range supersonic cruise missile and the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile, both intended for anti-ship and land-attack missions.
•  64 cells are allocated for very short-range surface-to-air missiles, acting as the final defensive layer against aerial and anti-ship missile threats.

Expected timeframe and indigenous development

At a press conference held ahead of Navy Day on 4 December 2023, Vice Admiral Singh stated, “The broad timeframe is about five years from now. By then, we should be in a position to target the contract, and within five to 10 years, entire delivery.” The event was also attended by Navy Chief, Admiral R. Hari Kumar.

Navy’s long-term expansion plans

As part of its long-term force development strategy, the Indian Navy is targeting a fleet size of 170 to 175 warships by 2035. The induction of the Project-18 destroyers is expected to contribute to this expansion, enhancing the Navy’s capability in both defensive and offensive maritime operations.

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