India’s naval development is set to take a significant step forward, with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) anticipating the beginning of a large destroyer acquisition programme by the Indian Navy.
The ambitious initiative, scheduled to be codified within the next year, is projected to cost between ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 crore (roughly $8-9 billion). It will be one of the largest indigenous surface combatant projects in India’s naval history.
The project, known as Project-18 (Next Generation Destroyer – NGD) or a Project-15C follow-up, will focus on developing a new class of technologically superior, stealth-optimised destroyers.
Each vessel is planned to displace almost 10,000 tons, making them among the largest and most powerful warships in the Indian fleet. These new ships will strengthen India’s standing as a true blue-water navy capable of long-term operations throughout the Indo-Pacific.
The NGD will have a dense vertical launch system (VLS) architecture capable of carrying over 100 missile cells. These will be equipped with BrahMos and BrahMos-NG supersonic cruise missiles, land-attack variants, and a multi-layered air defense system that includes long-, medium-, and short-range surface-to-air missiles. The ships are intended to incorporate the new-generation LR-SAM/MR-SAM evolved from the Barak-8 system, which provides total area defense capability.
MDL is expected to incorporate cutting-edge radar, sonar, and electronic warfare equipment obtained from BEL, DRDO laboratories such as LRDE and DLRL, and private partners through the Strategic Partnership (SP) model. The destroyers are expected to use a fully networked combat management system capable of cooperative engagement and cross-platform data fusion with aircraft, submarines, and unmanned vehicles.
Propulsion is anticipated to be provided by a combined gas and gas (COGAG) or integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) system, allowing the ships to travel further and with more efficiency. The hull design will prioritize better stealth capabilities through radar-absorbing materials, shape, and acoustic quieting. Each destroyer is anticipated to carry two multi-role helicopters, increasing its anti-submarine and surveillance capabilities.
For MDL, this project will provide continuity and technological advancement following the successful Project-15B (Visakhapatnam-class) programme. It will increase private sector engagement by assisting Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in electronics, composites, engines, and shipborne systems. The project supports India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission by strengthening domestic design, manufacturing, and system integration capabilities in high-end naval vessels.
Once commissioned, the eight destroyers will be used as flagships for future carrier and expeditionary groups. Their induction will contribute to the Indian Navy’s goal of maintaining a balanced fleet centered on formidable multirole surface assets. As older Delhi-class destroyers are phased out over the next decade, Project-18 or 15C will serve as the backbone of India’s surface attack and area-defence operations into the 2050s.
