What is Project 18A?

About Project 18A:

• It is the Indian Navy’s Next-Generation Destroyer (NGD) programme.
• The proposed programme aims to develop a new generation of stealth-guided missile destroyers.
• Conceived as a successor to the Visakhapatnam-class (P-15B) destroyers, the P-18 class destroyers are engineered to counter emerging threats — from anti-ship ballistic missiles to submarine warfare.
• It is overseen by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) in collaboration with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
• Features:
  • The P-18 will rank among the largest destroyers ever operated by the Indian Navy, significantly larger than the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers.
    • Under international classification, warships above 10,000 tonnes fall into the cruiser category — a segment that India currently does not possess.
    • Project 18 will mark India’s entry into this class of warships.
  • The warships are expected to have nearly 75% indigenous content.
  • It features Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP).
  • Cruising Range: 4,500 nautical miles at 18 knots; endurance 45+ days.
  • One of the most notable features of the design is the planned incorporation of up to 144 vertical launch system (VLS) cells capable of firing a diverse range of missile systems, including
    • the long-range BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) supersonic cruise missiles for anti-ship and land-attack roles,
    • the Barak-8 ER (Extended Range) surface-to-air missiles with intercept capabilities beyond 150 km;
    • and the upcoming LR-LACM (Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile).
  • For terminal defence, the ships will deploy four 30-mm rapid-fire CIWS and at least one high-energy laser-based directed-energy weapon for defeating UAV swarms and supersonic sea-skimming missiles.
  • Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities include twin triple-torpedo launchers (Varunastra heavy torpedoes), rocket-assisted ASW mortars, and advanced towed-array sonar systems.
  • Additionally, a 127-mm/62 caliber main gun (likely the Oto Melara or indigenous upgrade) provides naval gunfire support.
  • The ships will be able to carry unmanned underwater vehicles and kamikaze drones, used for surveillance, detecting mines, and attacking submarines.
  • It is also expected to feature an advanced sensor and radar architecture centred on long-range multi-domain tracking systems capable of detecting and tracking targets at distances of up to 500 kilometres.
  • The stealth enhancements include an enclosed X-shaped mast, radar-absorbent materials, optimized hull form, and infrared signature suppression (IRSS) for exhaust systems.