In a significant move underscoring its ambition to be a preeminent maritime force, India is pushing the boundaries of its naval capabilities. In recent times, the nation has showcased a dual aircraft carrier operation, only paralleled by the United States, signaling its growing prowess within the Indian Ocean and beyond.

The Indian Navy, already boasting an impressive naval history, took a monumental stride in expanding its blue-water capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s announcement that India will not only commission its third aircraft carrier but also plans to build additional ones, outlines a clear trajectory towards a formidable naval future.

The current operational fleet includes the INS Vikramaditya and the newly inducted INS Vikrant. The former, a modified Kiev class carrier purchased from Russia and commissioned in 2013, weighs in at 45,000 tonnes and has been a linchpin in India’s naval strategy.

The INS Vikrant, however, stands as a testament to India’s self-reliance. Named in honor of its historic predecessor, which played a pivotal role in the 1971 war, the Vikrant’s induction marks India’s entry into an elite group of nations capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers domestically.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking on Vikrant’s commissioning, said, “Vikrant is not just a warship. This is a testament to the hard work, talent, influence, and commitment of India in the 21st century.”

Indeed, Vikrant’s significance cannot be overstated. An ‘engineering marvel’, it represents India’s advancing industrial might, engaging approximately 500 MSMEs, 12,000 employees from ancillary industries, and 2,000 from the Cochin Shipyard Limited.

This carrier’s capabilities are as impressive as its construction. Boasting a range of 8,000 nautical miles, it can deploy an air wing of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, and MH-60R multi-role helicopters.

The ship utilizes the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method, facilitating efficient aircraft launch and recovery.

In a demonstration of operational readiness, both INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant undertook “twin carrier operations” in a stunning display of power projection and coordination.

The significance of this event is highlighted by analysts, such as Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, who recognizes that, “This is not a small achievement and underlines that the Indian Navy is one of very few in the world that operates more than one aircraft carrier.”

As India marches forward with its naval expansion, considerations of new vessels are on the horizon. The nation is now contemplating its ‘third’ aircraft carrier, tentatively dubbed IAC-II, which will undergo modern modifications and employ newer technologies.

This project reflects the Navy’s strategy to maintain a robust presence on both the Western and Eastern seaboards, amidst a volatile maritime security landscape across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

While some may debate the relevance of aircraft carriers in the era of missiles and drones, the recent activities of global powers suggest a renewed interest in such vessels.

India’s dual-carrier operation not only demonstrates its ambitions but also its commitment to security and stability in the region, frequently engaging in joint exercises with other navies such as those in the Quad partnership.

It is through these strategic maneuvers and the expansion of its aircraft carrier fleet that India looks to cement its role as a central player in the maritime domain, addressing emerging threats and safeguarding its national interests on the global stage.

Relevant articles:
– Know All About Aircraft Carriers of India, WION
– Press Information Bureau, Press Information Bureau
– The significance of carrier aviation | Explained, The Hindu
– India demonstrates naval strength with dual aircraft carrier exercise, a feat China has yet to accomplish, CNN