Approval Granted for Next-Gen Stealth Destroyers in India
The Defence Acquisition Council has approved plans for advanced stealth destroyers to enhance India's naval capabilities.
New Era for Indian Naval Power
In a significant move, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has officially approved the development of next-generation destroyers under Project 18A. This initiative marks a crucial step forward in bolstering the Indian Navy's capabilities with advanced, stealth-guided missile destroyers.
Details of the Project
The upcoming destroyers are expected to be larger and more sophisticated than previous classes, with a displacement exceeding 10,000 tonnes. This is notably heavier than the current Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, which weigh 7,400 tonnes. According to defense sources, these next-gen warships will feature enhanced firepower, advanced sensor systems, and innovative technologies to meet modern naval warfare demands.
Financially, the project is anticipated to cost over Rs 75,000 crore, and the construction and delivery of these vessels are projected to begin within 5 to 10 years of contract signing.
Current Naval Capabilities
At present, the Indian Navy's destroyer fleet comprises approximately 12-13 advanced guided-missile destroyers. These ships are essential to the navy's surface combat capabilities, providing multi-domain operational support that includes anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
The ongoing destroyer classes currently in service include:
- Visakhapatnam-Class: Featuring INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, INS Imphal, and INS Surat.
- Kolkata-Class: Including INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai.
- Delhi-Class: Comprising INS Delhi, INS Mysore, and INS Mumbai.
- Rajput-Class: Older Soviet-built destroyers being gradually phased out.
Enhanced Firepower and Technology
The Indian Navy's destroyers are outfitted with a comprehensive range of weaponry designed for various combat scenarios. Each active destroyer carries:
- Approximately 16 BrahMos cruise missiles.
- 32 medium-to-long-range surface-to-air missiles launched via vertical systems.
- A 76 mm OTO Melara naval gun positioned at the front of the ship.
- Four AK-630 30 mm Gatling guns for close-range defense against threats.
- Dual 21-inch torpedo tubes for heavyweight torpedoes.
- Two RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers.
The next-generation destroyers will integrate even more advanced systems and capabilities, further enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational effectiveness.
Support for Indigenous Industry
In a noteworthy aspect of the approved plan, approximately 82% of all DAC-cleared defense projects are directed towards supporting the domestic defense industry, as highlighted by the Ministry of Defence. Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, the future destroyers are likely to emphasize indigenous production, thereby decreasing reliance on foreign military assets.
This strategic decision not only aims to strengthen national security but also fosters growth and innovation within India’s defense sector. As the project progresses, it is set to pave the way for a technologically superior and self-sufficient naval force.
