144 Missiles, Hypersonic Firepower: This Next-Gen Warship Will Be India's Largest Ever
The Project-18 destroyer will rival cruisers operated by major naval powers and serve as a symbol of India's growing maritime assertiveness
Amid escalating global conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions, India is accelerating efforts to modernise its armed forces, especially its naval capabilities. In response to the evolving security landscape shaped by wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Southeast Asia, the Indian Navy has launched its most ambitious warship program yet, Project-18, a next-generation destroyer designed to dominate the seas with unmatched firepower and cutting-edge technology.
At the heart of the project lies a massive 13,000-tonne stealth destroyer, India's biggest and most powerful surface combatant to date. Significantly larger and more technologically advanced than the current Visakhapatnam-class, the Project-18 destroyer will rival cruisers operated by major naval powers and serve as a symbol of India's growing maritime assertiveness.
Project-18 Design
The destroyer will carry an unprecedented 144 vertical launch missile cells, giving it the highest missile capacity of any Indian warship. These include:
With this configuration, Project-18 will not only deliver overwhelming firepower but also offer layered, multi-domain defence, capable of targeting enemy aircraft, missiles, ships, submarines, and land installations.
Complementing its weaponry is a next-generation radar and sensor suite developed jointly by the DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Four large Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, including S-band and volume search radars, will provide 360-degree tracking of aerial and surface threats at distances beyond 500 km. A multi-sensor mast and electronic warfare systems will enhance its ability to operate in heavily contested environments, including those involving jamming and cyber interference.
A Warship Born Of 'Make In India'
Project-18 reflects the Centre's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Nearly 75 percent of the systems and components are expected to be indigenously sourced. The ship will feature a fully integrated electric propulsion (IEP) system, advanced stealth shaping, and the capability to operate autonomous underwater drones for mine detection and anti-submarine operations. Two multi-role helicopters will also be deployed on board, aided by a rail-less traversing system for quick deployment and storage.
According to the latest projections, the final design blueprint for the Project-18 destroyer is expected to be completed by 2028, with construction and delivery scheduled through the next decade. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) will spearhead production.
The destroyers will become a cornerstone of the Indian Navy's long-term vision to operate 170–175 warships by 2035, significantly expanding its blue-water capabilities. These ships will be crucial in countering China's increasing naval footprint in the Indian Ocean Region and maintaining India's influence across critical maritime chokepoints in the Indo-Pacific.
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First Published:
August 02, 2025, 11:06 IST
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