Why in news?
Recent reports in June 2026 explained that the Indian Navy has finalised the concept for its Project 18 (P‑18) destroyers and is preparing to issue design tenders. These warships are expected to replace the Kolkata‑class destroyers and will showcase advanced indigenous technology under the “Make in India” programme.
Background
The Indian Navy currently operates the Delhi‑class (commissioned between 1997 and 2001) and the newer Kolkata‑class destroyers (commissioned from 2014). As threats evolve, naval planners have been designing a larger, stealthier and more capable destroyer programme. Project 18 was conceived to deliver a next‑generation surface combatant that can dominate multiple domains — air, surface and undersea — while relying heavily on Indian industry. Development of this class is part of the Navy’s long‑term plan to field a 200‑ship fleet by the mid‑2030s.
Key features
- Displacement and hull: The P‑18 destroyers are expected to displace 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes, making them the largest surface combatants in the Indian fleet. The hull will incorporate stealth shaping and radar‑absorbent materials to reduce detection.
- Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP): The ships will employ a fully electric drive where gas turbines and diesel generators produce electricity for both propulsion motors and onboard systems. This allows flexible power management, quieter operations and the future integration of directed‑energy weapons.
- Armament: Up to 144 vertical launch cells are planned for a mix of long‑range surface‑to‑air missiles, anti‑ship missiles (such as BrahMos and future hypersonic systems) and land‑attack cruise missiles. Close‑in weapon systems and new generation torpedoes will provide layered defence.
- Sensors and command hub: A 360‑degree active electronically scanned array radar with a range reportedly over 500 km will be coupled with advanced sonar suites and infrared sensors. A large combat information centre will act as a multi‑domain command hub linking naval, air and space assets.
- Automation and crew: Extensive automation is planned to reduce crew strength by around one‑quarter compared to existing destroyers, lowering life‑cycle costs and improving habitability.
- Indigenous content: Reports suggest that about 75 percent of the ship’s components and systems will be sourced from Indian industry, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and enhancing domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
Expected timeline and significance
The design phase is slated to begin in the second half of 2026. Construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and other public‑sector yards may start around 2028 after detailed design and trials. Deliveries could begin in the early 2030s. Project 18 represents a leap in indigenous warship design and will equip the Navy with a versatile platform capable of deploying future technologies such as lasers and railguns.
Conclusion
Project 18 signals India’s ambition to field world‑class surface combatants built largely at home. By incorporating cutting‑edge propulsion, sensors and weapons, these destroyers will strengthen maritime deterrence and highlight the progress of Indian naval engineering.
Source: TEN News