The Indian Navy is set to secure Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for four Next Generation Destroyers (P-18), part of a plan for up to ten ships to enhance its naval capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions. These 10,000-13,000 tonne vessels will incorporate advanced weaponry, including up to 144 Vertical Launch System cells, and state-of-the-art radar and stealth features, emphasizing indigenous development aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat. With a focus on increasing its fleet to 170-175 ships by 2035 and countering rivals like China, the P-18 program marks a significant stride in transforming India into a builders’ navy, addressing current destroyer shortfalls and modernizing its naval strength effectively.