Source : IgMp Bureau
RFP of 8 Project-18 Next Generations Destroyers at $10 billion, to be floated by 2026
In the constantly evolving realm of naval warfare, India’s Next-Generation Destroyer (NGD), commonly known as Project-18, stands as an emblem of the nation’s unwavering commitment to maritime security and technological progress.
At present, the NGD program is in the preliminary conceptual studies phase, offering tantalizing insights into its prospective capabilities. Commander PR Hari, IN (Retd.), who assumes the role of Chairman and Managing Director at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), recently provided valuable insights into the program’s timeline. In a recent media interview, he hinted that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the NGD program might be forthcoming around the timeframe of 2026-27.
Two prominent state-owned Indian shipyards, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), are poised to compete for the esteemed opportunity to construct the NGD.
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One of the most captivating facets of the NGD pertains to its envisaged Vertical Launch System (VLS) configuration. An informative promotional video, unveiled last year, offered a graphical representation of a plausible NGD concept, affording a glimpse into the warship’s striking design. The NGD’s VLS setup is characterized by its canister-based system, celebrated for its remarkable versatility. It encompasses a staggering 144 missile cells, thoughtfully organized in a three 6×4 VLS 2 layout, strategically positioned at both the bow and aft sections of the vessel.
Furthermore, the NGD’s design conspicuously features eight slant launchers, strategically located behind the main radar structure. These launchers are widely believed to be designated for the deployment of the formidable BrahMos-2 anti-ship missile.
In terms of both size and capabilities, the NGD is projected to emerge as a heavyweight contender, boasting an estimated standard weight of approximately 13,000 tonnes. To offer a contextual comparison, this places it on par with the Chinese Type 055 destroyer, renowned for its 112 VLS cells, and even rivals the U.S. Navy’s Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, celebrated for its inventory of 122 VLS cells. Such a design positions the NGD in the echelons of the world’s most formidable naval vessels, serving as a resounding affirmation of India’s aspirations to establish itself as a preeminent maritime power.
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