PROJECT 18A: NEXT-GENERATION DESTROYERS

02 Nov 2026

Tags: Prelims   Current events of national and international importance

Source: The Hindu

Context: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has accorded in-principle approval to the Indian Navy's next-generation destroyer programme, estimated at ₹80,000 crore.

• Purpose: Develop stealth-guided missile destroyers to strengthen India's maritime security and combat capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Design: By the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau.
• Indigenous Content: Approximately 75%.
• Procurement: Competitive bidding open to Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private companies.
• Capabilities: Advanced weapons, surveillance sensors, air defence and anti-submarine warfare systems.
• Delivery: Expected to begin 5–10 years after contract signing.
• Strategic Significance: Counter growing Chinese naval presence and Pakistan's expanding submarine capabilities.
• Existing Indian Destroyer Classes: Visakhapatnam-class; Kolkata-class; Delhi-class
• Key Weapons and Systems: BrahMos: Supersonic cruise missile.; Surface-to-Air Missiles: Air defence.; Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS): Last-layer defence against incoming missiles and aircraft.; Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Detection and neutralisation of enemy submarines.
• Destroyers: Multi-role surface combatants designed for air defence, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine operations.
• Warship Design Bureau: Indian Navy's in-house organisation responsible for designing indigenous warships.