Is there any news of a DEW being put on board? Also, is there any DEW that has been integrated and tested on board a naval vessel? DRDO had announced the successful test of its Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system in April, 2025. However, that was a land based test if I am not mistaken (the system was truck mounted).
Project 18, Next Generation Destroyer (NGD) : News and Updates
- Thread starter Vishwamitra
- Start date
-
- Tags
- project 18
I believe if a DEW system can be added it will be good. Low cost per shot, quick engagement ability, precision, and deep magazine (needing power only) make it a good addition to the vessels. Let's see how things proceed.
I don't think we have the required power yet for naval based DEW. Ocean environment and weather constraints will require far higher output ( 4x to 6x) to work effectively vis a vis land based.
Hopefully, with collaboration with Safran for engines.. our industry will be able to learn advanced thermal management and cooling techniques which can be innovated for naval based systems. Enabling higher powered DEW
NGD could have a displacement of around 10,000-13,000 tons and be equipped with powerful gas turbines or hybrid systems, ensuring ample electricity (potentially in the range of 75-100 MW or may be more). This setup should be okay for employing a naval DEW. I do not think size or output should be an issue. I had asked if we had carried out a naval test earlier. However, it appears we have not. The leap needed for environmental proofing is not something that cannot be overcome. Folks can let us know otherwise.
Yes, it can be overcome. But not with our current tech at hand. We haven't deployed a land based 100kw dew even, let alone a naval version.
I didn't mean power generation from the vessel which NGD is looking to efficiently manage through IEP. But output from the DEW system, which is an engineering marvel in itself. And the system needs intenal thermal management and cooling . That is to say that we don't have it currently but there is hope for it in future if both IEP, Surya-II progresses smoothly along with aeroengine tech for niche technology.
USN have 30kw+ systems integrated in some assets ( for development and training) but their effectiveness under averse maritime environment remains a challenge. This has to do with higher humidity, salt particles in air which diminishes power of waves and beams.
IN also tested 2kw system with testing of further 30kw in discussions but we are nowhere near meeting operational requirements of IN to make it a justifiable integration in existing assets. NGDs do leave openness to DEW integration but all hinges on future advancement. Not currently achieved ones.
I understand. The DragonFire is coming into service in the next 2-3 years. It was expected to come by the year 2027. A 30kW class Mk II (A) DEW has already been tested by the DRDO. The NGD will enter service in 2030s (expected). If a higher output is necessary, CHESS should be able to deliver it for you. A 30 kW has proved to be sufficient against a fixed wing UAV (should be fine against smaller swarm drones in the market). DF has an output of 50kW and has been okayed for RN. 30kW might suffice or might not depending on IN needs.
The primary hurdles managing heat, maintaining beam quality, and ensuring efficient power delivery as have been listed by yourself can be worked upon considering the timeframe available.
I acknowledge the harsher environmental factors and the effort needed to overcome the same. However, can it be overcome? Yes. Can the maintenance be a pain? Sure, can be. Will the DRDO be able to pull it off? We shall see.
Last edited:
Ideally I would like to see at least 2 x 76 strales guns per ship. These are true multirole weapons acting as Cwiz, anti ship and NGFS as well. 127mm is too dedicated for land use only
Ideally, I would love to see the aft section of MRSAM be used for RBU-6000 and the fore section should be used only for vls.
Or they could remove the 2 Ak-630M from the middle and replace it with RBU-6000. It will provide space in the fore section.
127mm will make sense on amphibious ships, landing ships, etc as they will have to move close to enemy/contested shore/beach either way.
One of the early design iterations of the Vikrant had 2x 76mm SRGMs for the CIWS role positioned on either side.
But since then we have developed other options like the Teevra ship-based version of the 40mm Sudarshan L70 mod AA gun. Apparently France's PANG carrier will be adopting a similar 40mm CIWS from Nexter. Apparently, there is also a dedicated new CIWS under dev.
Last edited:
Yup. CHESS plans are upto 300kw working dew so far. So, there is indeed a possibility of fielding DEW on NGDs.
I mean, most of the things we need can be overcome with brains but... Well you know. Babus,meh!
40mm is the OG naval gun calibre - especially in air defence. There is imminent case to upgrade all ICG ships with an automated 40mm gun mount as seen in Royal Navy. Or L&T teevra.
Much better than the new elbit 30mm gun seen on ASW-SWC corvettes.
Check out this Italian beauty.
3 x 76mm strales gun mounts.
3 x 76mm strales gun mounts.
Look at space wastage at the aft with two puny vls sets on Surat.
We carried out a naval test earlier. Please go to the DEW thread and have a look at the details. Thank you, Gautam.
so is there any hope for an RFP or AoN later this year or 2026 at the earliest? when do you think we will get to know the final design