Likewise, indigenous aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya have created new chapters of excellence for the Indian Navy. The strategic relevance of these vessels demands the induction of a third aircraft carrier to fully meet the maritime ambitions of India.
INS Vikrant is named after India’s first aircraft carrier, which played a critical role in the 1971 War. The commissioning of Vikrant is a significant leap in indigenous shipbuilding. The design for the 262-meter-long carrier was made by the DND of the Indian Navy, and the actual construction was done by CSL. Displacement is close to 45,000 tonnes. Four gas turbines with a combined power of 88 MW propel Vikrant to a top speed of up to 28 knots.
Presently, the carrier is fitted out to operate 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighters, Kamov-31 helicopters for AEW, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, and indigenously built ALH and LCA (Navy). It follows the STOBAR method for launching and recovering aircraft. Vikrant is fitted with a ski-jump to launch aircraft and arrestor wires to recover them.
The INS Vikramaditya, formerly Russia’s Admiral Gorshkov, was commissioned into service in the Indian Navy on November 16, 2013. Slightly larger than the Vikrant, the Vikramaditya measures 284 meters in length and displaces roughly 44,500 tonnes. It has a top speed of 30 knots and carries a total of 1,600 people and 30 aircraft, such as the MiG-29K fighters and Kamov helicopters.
To achieve its goal of a blue-water navy, India has to establish multiple Carrier Battle Groups. The plan for the next 15 years proposes four fleet carriers and two light fleet carriers, which will massively upgrade India’s naval presence and its reach for operational tasks. This ambition will be furthered through the INS Vishal, IAC-3, currently under construction at Cochin Shipyard. Vishal will introduce a displacement of 65,000 tons with a CATOBAR launch system and four GE LM2500+ gas turbines, thus ensuring advanced naval operations and AEW capability.
The Blue-Water Navy Vision: The Blue-Water Navy Vision speaks to a blue-water navy able to conduct open ocean operations power from over distance and sustain presence deep in one’s waters for an extended time. The aircraft carriers would be vital in delivering this capability through sustained operations and power projection.
The commissioning of INS Vikrant is thus a day of importance in the annals of Indian Maritime History in so far as it underlines the resolve of the nation for ‘Atmanirbharta’ coupled with enhanced maritime security. The induction of a third aircraft carrier would be of immense significance when India expands its naval capabilities to provide a strategic advantage in the IOR and aspirations of the blue-water navy.