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 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. 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. A senior Defence Ministry official confirmed the development.
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 programme assumes significance as China continues to expand its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region and enhance its submarine fleet, while Pakistan is also strengthening its underwater warfare capabilities with the induction of advanced submarines.
