India is advancing its naval capabilities with the development of the Project 18 destroyer, designed to carry 144 missiles, including BrahMos and other advanced systems, while featuring sophisticated radar and sensor technology for 360-degree surveillance. With a focus on indigenization, the destroyer aims for 75% indigenous content, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Its construction is expected to commence in major Indian shipyards, contributing to the Indian Navy’s long-term plan of achieving a fleet of 170-175 warships by 2035. This initiative is crucial for enhancing India’s maritime defense amid increasing regional challenges, particularly the growing Chinese naval presence in the Indo-Pacific.