India plans next-generation stealth destroyers to counter growing maritime threats

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has recently accorded in-principle approval to the futuristic warships under Project 18A.  | Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena

The government has given a major push to the Indian Navy’s next-generation destroyer programme amid the growing maritime security challenges posed by China and Pakistan, both of which are strengthening their own underwater warfare capabilities.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has recently accorded in-principle approval to the futuristic warships under Project 18A. The delivery of the warships is expected to begin five to 10 years after the contract is signed, given the complexity and scale of the programme.

A senior Defence Ministry official confirmed the development. The proposed programme, estimated to cost around ₹80,000 crore, aims to develop a new generation of stealth-guided missile destroyers equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and technologies, the official said.

The warships are expected to have nearly 75% indigenous content, with both defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and private sector companies eligible to participate in the competitive bidding process, the official added.