Project 18, Next Generation Destroyer (NGD) : News and Updates

[Vishwamitra]

If we can get VLS like M-41 universal and Aegis and get at least 8/12 new destroyers with decent 112 VLS on each we can defend our assets in IOR in future.

Do we have any pans for new destroyer class after Visakhapatnam ?

 

[Parthu]

If we can get VLS like M-41 universal and Aegis and get at least 8/12 new destroyers with decent 112 VLS on each we can defend our assets in IOR in future.

Do we have any pans for new destroyer class after Visakhapatnam ?

Yes, it's called the Next Generation Destroyer (NGD) program, also unofficially known as 'Project-18'.

According to the Navy's Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), Vice Admiral D.M. Deshpande, the NGD could be a 13,000-ton vessel (right up there alongside the Zumwalt-class and Type 055 as far as displacement goes) and IN is looking into incorporation of all types of next-gen technologies such as Integrated Electric Propulsion and Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) on board.

According to defence analyst Prasun K. Sengupta, the NGD could have up to 32 dedicated VLS cells for Nirbhay LACMs. This being in line with IN's vision for expansive land-attack capabilities of surface ships. These 32 LACMs will most probably be in addition to the usual 16 nos. of SSMs which is standard for IN's destroyers since the Project-15 Delhi-class in the 90s.

So we're probably looking at 46 strike-length cells for cruise missiles. 32 subsonic LACMs and 16 SSMs possibly hypersonic ones (Brahmos-2K).

As long as IN continues to use Barak series as their ships' SAM compliment (or as long as Russian-origin SSMs continue to be used), I don't think Universal VLS is a possibility. That said, I think we can safely assume a minimum of 48 SAM cells...possibly more.

The rounds will include the 90km Barak 8 and 150+km Barak 8ER, and possibly one other type of short-range SAM system which we could potentially quad-pack in cells. But being reserved in outlook, I'd say we can only be sure about Barak 8.

 

[Vishwamitra]

If we can get VLS like M-41 universal and Aegis and get at least 8/12 new destroyers with decent 112 VLS on each we can defend our assets in IOR in future.

Do we have any pans for new destroyer class after Visakhapatnam ?

Thanks, s how those ships will look ? Something like type 055 or horrendous Kolkata ?

 

[Parthu]

Thanks, s how those ships will look ? Something like type 055 or horrendous Kolkata ?

Hard to say at this point.

I think we can reliably assume that the hull will be sort of an 'extended Kolkata/Vizag-class'. Just like how Type 055 hull is pretty much an extended Type 052D hull.

The real change will happen in the superstructure above the hull (bridge, radar masts, VLS systems, etc.). But how those changes will look we can't say just yet because we don't know certain deciding factors...like if IN will go for an integrated mast with multiple types of radars, or independent masts like on current generation warships (MF-STAR on fore mast and an air-surveillance/volumn-search radar on aft mast).

 

[randomradio]

Take it for what it's worth.

PROJECT 18:INDIA’S NEXT GENERATION DESTROYER

Project 18 class destroyers will be equipped with advanced systems such as electromagnetic railguns, laser-based close-in weapon systems, advanced AESA and PESA radars, and active and passive array sonars. Kakinda Shipyard in collaboration with Mazgaon docks and L&T will lay keel for the destroyers that will have a displacement of 9000 tonnes. Meanwhile, DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics will be designing the next generation of radar systems. The already developed Air and Missile defence system (AMDS) is being further worked upon. The AESA and PESA are to have extended ranges and possible merger into one multi-band radar. The destroyer will also have an X-band optronic mast detector radar.

For the project, DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics will be designing next generation of radar systems to be incorporated into the planned 18-class. The already developed AMDS will be worked on further. The AESA and PESA radars will see extended ranges, and possible merger into one multi-band radar. The destroyer will also have an X-band optronic mast detector radar.

Project 18-class destroyers will be able to carry enough space for a single utility helicopter. The destroyers will be equipped with advanced UCAVs and UAVs, a possible compact version to be deployed on the destroyers of the EMALS is being worked out.

Project-18 class destroyers will have following armaments
Ballistic missiles and hypersonic Bramhos-II:
The next generation of point missile defense capable of launching Brahmos II will be worked upon.

The Electromagnetic Railgun:
Electromagnetic gun replacing the famed Otobreda of Indian Navy, will be supported with laser based CIWS, in works in LASTEC of DRDO. The warship will be deployed with 300 kW of laser system, capable of shooting down the aerial threats. The planned CIWS will draw inspiration from the present Phalnax CIWS and have its own radar. Indian Army has also expressed interests in the project, for it wishes to mount laser based systems on its combat vehicles. Additionally, the warship will also be equipped with small 100 kW laser based weapon systems with faster charging rates and continuous rate of application.

Laser-based CIWS
It is being developed by DRDO’s Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi will employ 300 kW of laser system enough to take out any aerial threat. It will have its own radar. In addition, the warship will have a smaller 100kW laser too.

How will this mega ship be powered?
It will use Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP). L& T and DRDO will further work on DRDO’s already launched programe GATET for marine propulsion. The planned gas turbine will deliver power up to 36 MW, and destroyer will have 2 of these to deliver a power of 72 MW, in conjugation with 2 diesel generators of 10 MW each and 2 electric propulsion motors of 20 MW. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) which has designed platform, bridge, and Combat Management Systems in the past will work on Diesel generators and motors.

Project-18 aims to launch the lead ship in 2028. DRDO has spared 1.5 billion dollars for the programme from its annual budget.

 

[Angel Eyes]

Take it for what it's worth.

PROJECT 18:INDIA’S NEXT GENERATION DESTROYER

Project 18 class destroyers will be equipped with advanced systems such as electromagnetic railguns, laser-based close-in weapon systems, advanced AESA and PESA radars, and active and passive array sonars. Kakinda Shipyard in collaboration with Mazgaon docks and L&T will lay keel for the destroyers that will have a displacement of 9000 tonnes. Meanwhile, DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics will be designing the next generation of radar systems. The already developed Air and Missile defence system (AMDS) is being further worked upon. The AESA and PESA are to have extended ranges and possible merger into one multi-band radar. The destroyer will also have an X-band optronic mast detector radar.

For the project, DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics will be designing next generation of radar systems to be incorporated into the planned 18-class. The already developed AMDS will be worked on further. The AESA and PESA radars will see extended ranges, and possible merger into one multi-band radar. The destroyer will also have an X-band optronic mast detector radar.

Project 18-class destroyers will be able to carry enough space for a single utility helicopter. The destroyers will be equipped with advanced UCAVs and UAVs, a possible compact version to be deployed on the destroyers of the EMALS is being worked out.

Project-18 class destroyers will have following armaments
Ballistic missiles and hypersonic Bramhos-II:
The next generation of point missile defense capable of launching Brahmos II will be worked upon.

The Electromagnetic Railgun:
Electromagnetic gun replacing the famed Otobreda of Indian Navy, will be supported with laser based CIWS, in works in LASTEC of DRDO. The warship will be deployed with 300 kW of laser system, capable of shooting down the aerial threats. The planned CIWS will draw inspiration from the present Phalnax CIWS and have its own radar. Indian Army has also expressed interests in the project, for it wishes to mount laser based systems on its combat vehicles. Additionally, the warship will also be equipped with small 100 kW laser based weapon systems with faster charging rates and continuous rate of application.

Laser-based CIWS
It is being developed by DRDO’s Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi will employ 300 kW of laser system enough to take out any aerial threat. It will have its own radar. In addition, the warship will have a smaller 100kW laser too.

How will this mega ship be powered?
It will use Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP). L& T and DRDO will further work on DRDO’s already launched programe GATET for marine propulsion. The planned gas turbine will deliver power up to 36 MW, and destroyer will have 2 of these to deliver a power of 72 MW, in conjugation with 2 diesel generators of 10 MW each and 2 electric propulsion motors of 20 MW. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) which has designed platform, bridge, and Combat Management Systems in the past will work on Diesel generators and motors.

Project-18 aims to launch the lead ship in 2028. DRDO has spared 1.5 billion dollars for the programme from its annual budget.

Is this confirmed??

 

[randomradio]

Is this confirmed??

Nope.

That's why: Take it for what it's worth.

 

[Ashwin]

Take it for what it's worth.

PROJECT 18:INDIA’S NEXT GENERATION DESTROYER

Project 18 class destroyers will be equipped with advanced systems such as electromagnetic railguns, laser-based close-in weapon systems, advanced AESA and PESA radars, and active and passive array sonars. Kakinda Shipyard in collaboration with Mazgaon docks and L&T will lay keel for the destroyers that will have a displacement of 9000 tonnes. Meanwhile, DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics will be designing the next generation of radar systems. The already developed Air and Missile defence system (AMDS) is being further worked upon. The AESA and PESA are to have extended ranges and possible merger into one multi-band radar. The destroyer will also have an X-band optronic mast detector radar.

For the project, DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics will be designing next generation of radar systems to be incorporated into the planned 18-class. The already developed AMDS will be worked on further. The AESA and PESA radars will see extended ranges, and possible merger into one multi-band radar. The destroyer will also have an X-band optronic mast detector radar.

Project 18-class destroyers will be able to carry enough space for a single utility helicopter. The destroyers will be equipped with advanced UCAVs and UAVs, a possible compact version to be deployed on the destroyers of the EMALS is being worked out.

Project-18 class destroyers will have following armaments
Ballistic missiles and hypersonic Bramhos-II:
The next generation of point missile defense capable of launching Brahmos II will be worked upon.

The Electromagnetic Railgun:
Electromagnetic gun replacing the famed Otobreda of Indian Navy, will be supported with laser based CIWS, in works in LASTEC of DRDO. The warship will be deployed with 300 kW of laser system, capable of shooting down the aerial threats. The planned CIWS will draw inspiration from the present Phalnax CIWS and have its own radar. Indian Army has also expressed interests in the project, for it wishes to mount laser based systems on its combat vehicles. Additionally, the warship will also be equipped with small 100 kW laser based weapon systems with faster charging rates and continuous rate of application.

Laser-based CIWS
It is being developed by DRDO’s Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi will employ 300 kW of laser system enough to take out any aerial threat. It will have its own radar. In addition, the warship will have a smaller 100kW laser too.

How will this mega ship be powered?
It will use Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP). L& T and DRDO will further work on DRDO’s already launched programe GATET for marine propulsion. The planned gas turbine will deliver power up to 36 MW, and destroyer will have 2 of these to deliver a power of 72 MW, in conjugation with 2 diesel generators of 10 MW each and 2 electric propulsion motors of 20 MW. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) which has designed platform, bridge, and Combat Management Systems in the past will work on Diesel generators and motors.

Project-18 aims to launch the lead ship in 2028. DRDO has spared 1.5 billion dollars for the programme from its annual budget.

Fanboy article from start to finish. Extistance of next generation project is confirmed few months ago on a seminar, that's it.

 

[Bharath]

none of this is confirmed except that there will be a NG destroyer.

 

[Saaho]

I will be happy with Indian ship builders can only master Integrated power system in 5-6 years.

 

[Ashwin]

Other defence tenders in which Mazagon will participate in the next 1-3 years includes seven new generation corvettes, six new-generation destroyers, six high-speed landing craft, one polar research vessel, three cadet training ships, four multi-purpose vessels, one survey trading vessel for the Navy and eight fast patrol vessels and 12 air cushion vessels from the Coast Guard.

Mazagon Dock still eyes on RNAVAL yard after choosing to stay away from IBC-driven bidding process

Logistics News:Mazagon Dock still eyes on RNAVAL yard after choosing to stay away from IBC-driven bidding process

www.thehindubusinessline.com

Is that you Project 18 ?

 

[Amal]

Other defence tenders in which Mazagon will participate in the next 1-3 years includes seven new generation corvettes, six new-generation destroyers, six high-speed landing craft, one polar research vessel, three cadet training ships, four multi-purpose vessels, one survey trading vessel for the Navy and eight fast patrol vessels and 12 air cushion vessels from the Coast Guard.

Mazagon Dock still eyes on RNAVAL yard after choosing to stay away from IBC-driven bidding process

Logistics News:Mazagon Dock still eyes on RNAVAL yard after choosing to stay away from IBC-driven bidding process

www.thehindubusinessline.com

Is that you Project 18 ?

Looks like. I guess the slipways would be free by 2021-22.

 

[Ankit Kumar]

A decade away atleast.

 

[Hydra]

A decade away atleast.

The right way to counter chinese is hit them.where they hurt more, you need to strike them either mainland china or theirs scs assets. And if we are taking a decade more to induct new class destroyers we are making a suicidal act.

 

[Hydra]

Other defence tenders in which Mazagon will participate in the next 1-3 years includes seven new generation corvettes, six new-generation destroyers, six high-speed landing craft, one polar research vessel, three cadet training ships, four multi-purpose vessels, one survey trading vessel for the Navy and eight fast patrol vessels and 12 air cushion vessels from the Coast Guard.

Mazagon Dock still eyes on RNAVAL yard after choosing to stay away from IBC-driven bidding process

Logistics News:Mazagon Dock still eyes on RNAVAL yard after choosing to stay away from IBC-driven bidding process

www.thehindubusinessline.com

Is that you Project 18 ?

I don't know why a shipyard like mazagon dock, even after having decades of ship building history is taking 6-7 years to construct a destroyer. Next gen ship.should construct in L&T shipyards, we all saw how fast were they while delivering K9 to IA.

 

[Ankit Kumar]

The right way to counter chinese is hit them.where they hurt more, you need to strike them either mainland china or theirs scs assets. And if we are taking a decade more to induct new class destroyers we are making a suicidal act.

Know our actual capabilities and accept the realities then the decade figure actually seems optimistic.

 

[Amal]

Mazagon Docks AR 2018-19. NGF is mentioned- the only second time in an official document after TPCR(?).

 

[Tatvamasi]

It is in this context that the Navy is also seriously thinking of reviving its heavy-destroyer project to counter the 12,000-tonne cruisers being built by China. The first of India’s 7,500 tonne INS Visakhapatnam class of guided-missile destroyers is expected to be commissioned within a year.

For Navy, 6 nuclear-powered submarines take priority over 3rd aircraft carrier

India’s emphasis on submarines to counter China comes against the backdrop of Beijing raising its capacity to build a destroyer in just 5 years.

www.hindustantimes.com

 

[Parthu]

An interesting tid-bit regarding the NGD that I've missed so far...from the Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL) investors' conference call transcript:

The current requirement seems to be for 5 x ships of the NGD class. In conceptual stage as of June 2021.

Program estimated worth Rs. 50,000 crores ($6.7 billion).

The MDL CMD calls the Next Gen Destroyers as a "long term" program part of Navy's MCPP (Maritime Capability Perspective Plan). He estimates that an RFP for the NGD could emerge by 2024-2026, and a firm contract by around 2027-2028.

So well after last P-15B is delivered.

If construction starts toward end of the decade (~2029), we can possibly expect the first NGD to be delivered sometime around 2035 (assuming modular construction keeps its promise).

Full transcript here:

https://mazagondock.in/images/pdf/investor-update-call-transcript-29062021.pdf

++++

There is some confusion though, because in a media interaction during the same session, he says the requirement for NGD is for 6 x vessels, not 5. One of the two statements is an error, don't know which:

Watch at 1:40

@Gautam @Ashwin @randomradio

 

[Gautam]

Program estimated worth Rs. 50,000 crores ($6.7 billion).

Something doesn't add up here. 7 Nilgiri class frigates cost ₹ 45,000 crore. How will 5-6 NGDs cost just ₹ 5,000 crore more ?!? Inflation alone should cause a larger price hike.

The MDL CMD calls the Next Gen Destroyers as a "long term" program part of Navy's MCPP (Maritime Capability Perspective Plan). He estimates that an RFP for the NGD could emerge by 2024-2026, and a firm contract by around 2027-2028.

So well after last P-15B is delivered.

If construction starts toward end of the decade (~2029), we can possibly expect the first NGD to be delivered sometime around 2035 (assuming modular construction keeps its promise).

Just horrible. The Vizag class will end delivery by 2025 & for the next 10 years we wont get another destroyer. By then even the Delhi class would be close to retirement. The only thing that can remotely justify this kind of gap in destroyer induction is a radically new design of destroyer. All our destroyers so far are evolutions of their predecessor class.

But in all due probability it will be an evolved/enlarged P-15B hull with a pitiful number of weapons & it will make you wonder why we couldn't just keep producing the P-15Bs. I hope they order more Nilgiri class & Vizag class to make up for this gap. I won't hold my breath though.

If MDL can't do it hand over the production of Nilgiri class to L&T. GRSE along with L&T can churn out another 7-8 frigates by the time the P-18 begins production. I hope MDL completes its drydock expansion in time to construct all 5-6 destroyers simultaneously.

There is some confusion though, because in a media interaction during the same session, he says the requirement for NGD is for 6 x vessels, not 5. One of the two statements is an error, don't know which:

6 was the number initially announced. Don't know if they reduced it.