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Project 18-class destroyer.
Project 18-class destroyers are planned class of next generation destroyers of Indian Navy. The destroyers are of the type: stealth guided missile destroyer. For the project Kakinada Shipyard in collaboration with Mazagon Dock and L&T Shipbuilding will lay keel for 9,000 tons of displacement of vessel. Project 18-class destroyers will be equipped with advanced systems such as electromagnetic guns, laser-based CIWS, advanced AESA and PESA radars, and active and passive array sonars.
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.
The missiles vessels will see their armament equipped with ballistic missiles and hypersonic BrahMos II missile. A next generation point missile defence capable of launching BrahMos II will be worked on.
The electromagnetic gun is being researched in the DRDO labs with BEL partaking in the programme for the gun fire control systems. The destroyer is expected to fit a 64 MJ version of electromagnetic gun. Munitions for the gun are being researched on as well.
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.
Improvements in the planned destroyer require ample power, the destroyer's propulsion system is planned to based on IEP. L&T with DRDO will further work on long researched DRDO's programme of marine propulsion — GATET. Planned gas turbines will deliver power up to 36 MW, destroyer will be equipped with the two of planned gas turbines delivering power of 76 MW, in conjugation with two diesel generators of 10 MW each and two electric propulsion motors of 20 MW. TASL which has designed platform, bridge and combat management systems in the past will work on diesel generators and motors.
The project aims to launch the lead ship of the 18-class by 2028, and planned commissioning in 2029. Being the project of such scale, Ministry of Defence has appropriated funds of $1.5 billion for the annual budget.
