New Delhi: Amid rising global instability and intensifying geopolitical rivalries, India has taken a major leap in naval modernization with the unveiling of Project-18 — an ambitious next-generation warship program that will produce the largest and most heavily armed destroyer in the country’s history. Designed to assert India’s maritime dominance, the 13,000-tonne stealth destroyer will not only dwarf its predecessors but also rival the cruisers of the world’s most powerful navies.
The massive destroyer under Project-18 will be equipped with 144 vertical launch missile (VLS) cells, making it the most heavily armed Indian warship ever constructed. The missile configuration is unprecedented, including 32 long-range air defence missiles at the rear (PGLRSAM), 48 extended-range BrahMos cruise missiles for land and sea strike, and 64 very short-range surface-to-air missiles for close-in defence. In addition, 8 slant launchers are expected to host the upcoming hypersonic BrahMos-2 missiles, significantly enhancing the ship’s offensive reach and speed.
This powerful missile suite enables a multi-layered defence system, capable of neutralizing a wide spectrum of threats—from aircraft and missiles to warships, submarines, and land-based targets. Project-18 is not just about firepower—it’s also about advanced technology and survivability. The warship will be fitted with a sophisticated radar and sensor suite, developed in collaboration between DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Four large Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, including both S-band and volume search types, will enable 360-degree threat tracking over distances exceeding 500 km.
To further boost survivability in modern electronic warfare scenarios, the ship will be equipped with a multi-sensor mast and robust electronic warfare systems designed to detect, jam, and counter enemy sensors and cyber threats. These features will allow the destroyer to operate effectively in highly contested environments.
True to the spirit of the Centre’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, approximately 75% of the ship’s components are expected to be indigenously produced. Project-18 will also introduce several technological firsts for India, including integrated electric propulsion (IEP), enhanced stealth shaping for reduced radar and infrared signatures, and the ability to operate autonomous underwater drones for mine detection and anti-submarine warfare. The ship will also carry two multi-role helicopters, supported by a rail-less system for faster deployment and storage.
The blueprint for the Project-18 destroyer is expected to be finalized by 2028, with construction and phased deliveries to follow through the next decade. The production will be led by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)—two of India’s premier defence shipyards.
The Project-18 class will form a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s broader plan to expand its fleet to 170–175 warships by 2035. As China strengthens its presence in the Indian Ocean and strategic maritime chokepoints across the Indo-Pacific become increasingly contested, India’s newest destroyers will play a critical role in maintaining balance and projecting naval power across the region.
Project-18 is not just a leap in shipbuilding—it is a strategic declaration. With unmatched missile capacity, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on indigenous capability, India is not only ready to defend its waters but also to lead in the evolving maritime order.
