Project 15C-class destroyer

The Project 15C-class destroyer is a planned class of stealth guided-missile destroyers for the Indian Navy. Envisioned as the direct successor to the Visakhapatnam class, Project 15C represents the fourth generation of indigenously designed destroyers following the Delhi class and Kolkata class.

The ships will be designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) of the Indian Navy and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) under the "Make in India" initiative.

History

Background

Following the induction of four Visakhapatnam-class destroyer,The Project 15C-class destroyer is a planned class of stealth guided-missile destroyers for the Indian Navy. Envisioned as the direct successor to the Project 15B Visakhapatnam class, Project 15C represents the fourth generation of indigenously designed destroyers following the Project 15 Delhi class and Project 15A Kolkata class.class destroyers between 2021 and 2025, the Indian Navy initiated conceptual design studies for Project 15C to address evolving maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. Project 15C aims to bridge the capability gap between current 7,500-tonne destroyers and the larger, heavy-displacement Project 18 Next-Generation Destroyers.

Development and Design Goals

The program focuses on achieving a higher degree of stealth, enhanced long-range air defence coverage, hypersonic anti-ship capabilities, and increased automation. It incorporates over 80% indigenous content, integrating critical systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics (BEL).

Design and Specifications

Stealth and Hull

The Project 15C design features a refined hull geometry with clean, sloped superstructures to significantly reduce radar cross-section (RCS), thermal signature, and acoustic footprint. The ship has an estimated displacement of 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes, an overall length of , and a beam of .

Propulsion

The class is designed to utilize an Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) system or an advanced COGAG setup, granting a top speed exceeding and an operational range of at .

Sensors and Combat Systems

• Radar Suite: Primary air surveillance and target tracking rely on an advanced indigenous AESA multi-function radar alongside long-range L-band air search radars.
• Sonar Suite: Features the BEL HUMSA-NG active/passive hull-mounted sonar and an Advanced Active Towed Array Sonar (ATAS) for deep-water anti-submarine surveillance.
• Command & Control: Integrated CMS-15C Combat Management System linked via LINK II and satellite datalinks.

Armament

• Anti-Surface Warfare: 16 to 24 vertical launch cells for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and upcoming BrahMos II hypersonic missiles.
• Anti-Air Warfare: 48 to 64 VLS cells launching Barak 8 and Next-Generation Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LRSAM-ER).
• Anti-Submarine Warfare: Twin 533 mm torpedo launchers for Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes and twin RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers.
• Guns & Point Defense: 1 × 127 mm (5-inch) main naval gun and multiple AK-630M close-in weapon systems (CIWS) or directed-energy point-defense systems.
• Aviation: Dual-helicopter hangar capable of operating two MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters or indigenous HAL Dhruv / naval utility helicopters.

See also

• Visakhapatnam-class destroyer
• Kolkata-class destroyer
• Project 18-class destroyer
• Future of the Indian Navy
• List of active Indian Navy ships