Athens, June 8: A recent report reveals that India’s ambitious ‘Project 18’ program is gradually taking shape. It is expected to become one of the most powerful surface combatant projects ever initiated by the Indian Navy.
According to the Greek City Times, the next-generation destroyer is evolving into a large cruiser-class warship designed to meet future maritime warfare needs.
Recent reports indicate that the proposed platform has significantly increased in size and capability compared to existing Indian destroyers. The warship’s displacement is anticipated to be between 11,000 and 13,000 tons at full load. Its total length could reach approximately 180 meters, placing it in a higher category than the Navy’s current frontline destroyers.
This suggests that the ship will be powered by an Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) system. This technology is deemed crucial for future warships as it allows for greater electrical output while reducing the ship’s acoustic signature. This enhancement improves both operational capability and stealth.
Such a propulsion system will provide the necessary energy for next-generation combat capabilities, including advanced radar systems, directed-energy weapons, and other high-powered equipment expected to play a vital role in naval operations over the coming decades.
Project 18 is also expected to feature extensive automation throughout the ship, reducing crew requirements by approximately 25 to 30 percent compared to current platforms. This reduction in manpower aims to enhance operational efficiency while minimizing long-term maintenance and staffing needs.
The ship is envisioned not just as a destroyer but as a multi-domain command hub capable of directing and coordinating various assets within carrier battle groups.
According to the report, this vessel will manage operations linked to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), and Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs), making it a central node in future network-centric warfare environments.
One of the standout features mentioned in the report is the planned weapon loadout. Project 18 is expected to include 144 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells, along with midship slant launchers. This configuration would make it one of the most heavily armed warships in Asia.
The ship is anticipated to have a layered air and missile defense architecture, including long-range surface-to-air missiles under Project Kusha, dedicated anti-ballistic missile systems capable of addressing threats from 250 to 350 kilometers away, and vertical launch short-range surface-to-air missiles (VL-SRSAM) for point-defense duties.
On the offensive side, the warship is likely to be equipped with advanced strike weapons, including extended-range BrahMos missiles, long-range land-attack cruise missiles (LR-LACMs), SMART anti-submarine missile systems, and potentially the future BrahMos-II hypersonic missile once operational.
In addition to conventional weapons, the platform is reportedly being designed with basic provisions for directed-energy systems.
The report indicates that shipborne laser weapons in the 50-100 kW range could eventually be integrated to counter drone swarms and other emerging aerial threats more cost-effectively than traditional missile-based interceptors.
The planned sensor suite for the ship is equally extensive. Project 18 is expected to feature an indigenous S-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization.
This radar is anticipated to replace the Israeli MF-STAR system currently used on several Indian warships, providing surveillance coverage of over 500 kilometers.
The design is also expected to incorporate stealth-focused features, including a low-observable mast structure, advanced electronic warfare systems, and enhanced situational awareness capabilities for operating in challenging environments.
The report further states that the Indian Navy is considering the initial production of four to five ships under Project 18, with the potential to expand the program to 10 to 12 ships based on future operational needs and budget considerations.
Indian shipbuilders Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers are reportedly leading the construction of these vessels.
The report also mentions that an interim Project 15C program, based on an upgraded version of the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer, may be advanced to maintain industrial activity and shipbuilding momentum while Project 18 matures through its design and development phase.
Project 18 represents a significant leap in the capabilities of the Indian Navy, featuring larger displacement, long-range strike power, integrated air and missile defense, advanced sensors, unmanned system integration, and future-oriented technology.
Indian Navy builders are actively modernizing to counter multi-domain, networked threats through significant changes. This modernization focuses on indigenous stealth warships, next-generation submarines, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and enhancing blue-water combat capabilities to project power in the Indo-Pacific region.
Project 18 also reflects the Indian Navy’s long-term vision for blue-water operations and strategic power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.
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