July 31, 2025 | Location: New Delhi
India is developing its most advanced indigenous missile destroyer under Project 18, a flagship defense initiative that will produce a next-generation warship capable of carrying up to 144 missiles and tracking enemy targets at distances of 500 kilometers. This marks a significant leap in the modernization of the Indian Navy’s surface fleet.
The destroyer will be designed and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with the Naval Design Bureau, making it one of the most formidable warships in Asia.
Features of Project 18 Warship
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Missile Capacity: Up to 144 vertical launch system (VLS) cells for various missiles, including BrahMos and Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LRSAM)
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Tracking Range: Advanced AESA radar systems capable of detecting and tracking enemy aircraft and warships up to 500 km
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Stealth Technology: Radar-absorbing materials and design for minimal radar cross-section
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Propulsion: Integrated full-electric propulsion (IFEP) for silent operations and higher efficiency
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Displacement: Estimated at over 10,000 tonnes, making it India’s largest destroyer to date
India’s Push for Maritime Supremacy
Project 18 is part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s Blue Water Navy capabilities amid rising regional tensions and China’s growing maritime footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Once commissioned, the destroyer will play a crucial role in:
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Carrier Battle Group (CBG) operations
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Anti-submarine warfare
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Area air defense
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Long-range strike missions
BrahMos and Beyond: The Missile Arsenal
The destroyer will carry multiple variants of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which can hit sea and land targets with high precision at a range of up to 450 km. In addition, the ship will be armed with:
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Barak-8 and Extended Range SAMs
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Future Hypersonic Missiles (planned integration)
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Torpedo tubes and ASW rockets
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Close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for missile defense
Advanced Sensor Suite
The sensor suite is expected to include:
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Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
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Infrared and sonar systems for 360-degree surveillance
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Electronic warfare and signal intelligence capabilities
These technologies will allow the warship to operate independently or as part of a fleet, while offering network-centric warfare support.
Timeline and Induction Plans
The keel of the first Project 18 destroyer is expected to be laid in late 2026, with induction targeted by 2031. At least three ships are planned initially, with possible expansion based on strategic requirements.
This project follows the success of Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) destroyers and integrates lessons learned from previous indigenous warship programs.
Strategic Importance
Defense experts have lauded Project 18 as a critical step in establishing a self-reliant naval defense ecosystem under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. With increased naval competition in the Indo-Pacific, this destroyer will provide the Indian Navy with unmatched strike capability, survivability, and operational range.
Conclusion
With Project 18, India is set to redefine maritime warfare by launching its most heavily armed and technologically advanced destroyer yet. The platform will ensure strategic deterrence, long-range strike power, and multi-domain readiness, putting India at the forefront of naval innovation in the 21st century.
