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The Type 003 carrier is China’s most-advanced warship ever built and its launch has cemented Beijing’s position as a top contender among global shipbuilding industries.​

China’s PLA Navy launched its latest Type 003 aircraft carrier on June 17, 2022, an indicator of Chinese naval shipbuilding prowess, making it the largest warship ever built in the nation.

China now has three aircraft carriers, in addition to over one hundred warships built over the last ten years, exceeding the growth of any navy worldwide.

Displacing 85,000 to 100,000 tons, and over 300 metres in length, the Type 003 is noteworthy for the speed of its development, particularly in skipping two generations of hydraulic and steam technology in its carrier launch technology. Instead, the Type 003 includes an electromagnetic launch system, competing with a more advanced US equivalent. The electromagnetic catapult technology will allow the Type 003 to field different military aircraft, increasing the range and effectiveness of the carrier, according to a US Department of Defence report to Congress.

China is in the process of developing a fourth aircraft carrier capable of nuclear propulsion, with leaked documents indicating that it will be capable of fielding advanced fighters and stealth jets, surveillance and control craft, anti-submarine helicopters and drones.

As China focuses on building its next-generation carrier, it’s also coming up short on aircraft to field them. With at least 22 J-15 carrier-compatible fighter jets, China will need more fighter aircraft if it is to equip two modern carriers, giving rise to expectations of a next-generation aircraft-based fighter to accommodate its new capacities.

A nuclear-capable aircraft carrier would only be limited by the amount of supplies it can carry at sea, and the resilience of its sailors, granting the ability to project force or deny across the world’s seas and coasts.

China’s latest aircraft carrier is not welcome news to US defence officials who also have to contend with the widespread use of satellite imagery and artificial intelligence, making it more difficult for large warships to maintain the advantage of surprise.

AI could allow satellites to quickly identify warship electronic signatures from space, despite scrambling and background noise.

Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System

Fujian’s electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) will accelerate jets taking off at speed, assisting their take-off with such force the aircraft will be able to carry more fuel and weapons, therefore extending the reach and size of the punch the aircraft carrier packs. Early warning aircraft will be able to take off and land more easily, enhancing the carrier’s ability to spot its enemies from further away.

EMALS is also able to launch more aircraft at a greater rate, getting more jets into the air faster than its opponents using older technologies – and is vital for defending itself against incoming attacks.

This latest feature gives the Fujian a significant edge, as only the United States’ latest Ford-class of aircraft carrier is equipped with it. France is slowly developing a similar system and India is examining its feasibility, but outside the US, only China employs this system. Its navy has yet to operate a nuclear-powered carrier, as the US has done for decades. The Fujian is conventionally powered but predictions are that the next one to be built by China will be nuclear-powered.

The first two carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, were ex-Soviet designs; the Liaoning initially bought for scrap from Ukraine and refitted. While antiquated, they have been used to train new generations of naval officers and pilots in the complex science and art of aircraft carrier operations.

This carrier will certainly impact the PLANs maritime capabilities… but it will not significantly impact U.S. warfighting capabilities in the Western Pacific.

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Admiral R Hari Kumar confirmed by saying, “Initially we will go for the repeat order with improved capabilities and in the meantime, we will go for study of larger carriers. Because the third aircraft which will come in and by the time it will be commissioned by that time the life of INS Vikramaditya may end.” He was speaking with the media on the sidelines of Aero India 2023.

The earlier plans, as per the Chief of Naval Staff were that “the IAC 2 should be bigger than IAC 1 in size. The size of INS Vikrant is 44,000 tonnes and we wanted the IAC2 to be around 65,000 tonnes.” The decision for the repeat order of IAC 1 is based on multiple factors including construction time, the cost involved and the trajectory of indigenization of the aviation assets also.

Admiral Hari Kumar said, “When we have to design a new aircraft carrier, it will take time and we have to bring new technologies because the present arresting, landing through catapult system is being changed now. For new design, the ship-building facility will have to be upgraded. So we thought if we went for the repeat order the work would start soon.”

“Operationally, new technologies and drones are coming in that can be launched from the carrier that can enhance operational capabilities.  The Indian Navy requires three aircraft carriers because the ship if it goes for maintenance, it takes time,” he added. Aircraft carriers are known to have lengthy maintenance schedules. The cycle of maintenance can lead to an absence of a carrier for years, as has been the case with the refit of India’s lone Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya which started at the beginning of 2021 and still continues. It has been delayed due to a fire onboard in July.

With one aircraft carrier still under maintenance and one yet to be inducted, the Indian Navy will be operating without one for some more time. The Navy has been maintaining the three carriers-based force structure so that it can operate two of them in maritime zones on each side of the Indian coastline — eastern and western coasts. INS Vikramaditya was originally a Russian carrier — Admiral Gorshkov — was commissioned in 2013 after total refurbishing. The 44,500-tonne INS Vikramaditya has an airfield with an overall length of about 284 meters. As reported in December, the Navy completed all the documentation work on the repeat orders and it is expected that the approvals from the government will come soon. The new aircraft carrier is also expected to be of 45,000 displacements and STOBAR technology.  

As enunciated by the Navy Chief the timeline would match India’s push for self-reliance aim even to indigenise the aviation complex and it might match up with the production of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). TEDBF is being designed for the Navy and officials of the HAL have been claiming it to be ready for commissioning by 2032. Even if a decision on the carrier is taken today, it will take over a year to begin the process of manufacturing, defence sources said.

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“The development demonstrates India’s capability to design, develop, construct and operate indigenous aircraft carrier with locally made fighter aircraft,” said one of the officials cited above, asking not to be named. The LCA (navy) has operated from the Vikrant’s deck at a time when the aircraft carrier is the midst of critical flight trials to become fully operational this year, said a second official.

To be sure, LCA (navy) is only a technology demonstrator but the development is significant as it showcases that India has developed niche technologies specific to deck-based fighter operations, and this will pave the way to develop and manufacture the twin engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF).

The flight trials on board INS Vikrant involve the Russian-origin MiG-29K fighter jets that use the ski-jump to take-off from aircraft carrier and are recovered by arrestor wires or what is known as STOBAR (short take-off but arrested recovery) in navy parlance.

Twelve MiG-29Ks are likely to be deployed on Vikrant and it will operate a new deck-based fighter that the navy is looking to buy as an interim measure to meet its requirements before the indigenous TEDBF is ready in a few years, the officials said. The navy’s other aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, operates MiG-29K fighters. LCA (navy) landed and took off from Vikramaditya for the first time in August 2020.

The French Rafale M fighter has edged out the American F/A-18 Super Hornet in a direct competition to equip the Indian Navy with 26 new deck-based fighters for INS Vikrant. The Rafale is manufactured by Dassault Aviation while the Super Hornet is a Boeing product.

Dassault and Boeing demonstrated the capabilities of their aircraft to the navy at a shore-based test facility in Goa in January 2022 and June 2022 respectively. The 26 fighters that the navy plans to buy are only a stopgap until the country develops its own TEDBF. The navy is preparing a draft cabinet note for the design and development of TEDBF that India plans to operate from its aircraft carriers, navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said in December 2022.

The first prototype of TEDBF is likely to be ready around 2026, and its production could begin by 2032. The navy is working with the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and Aeronautical Development Agency on the TEDBF project.

Since TEDBF is still a decade away, the navy is looking at importing deck-based fighters as an interim measure.

Vikrant, which has an indigenous content of 76%, will operate an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft including the new fighters, MiG-29Ks, Kamov-31 choppers, MH-60R multi-role helicopters and advanced light helicopters.

The 45,000-tonne Vikrant has been built at Cochin Shipyard at a cost of ₹20,000 crore. Only the US, the UK, Russia, France and China have the capability to build aircraft carriers this size. It has been named after aircraft carrier INS Vikrant operated by the navy from 1961 to 1997.

A second indigenous aircraft carrier to project India’s maritime power in the far seas is also on the navy’s radar, the officials said.

The other aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, was bought second-hand from Russia for $2.33 billion. The navy has been arguing it needs three such floating airfields given its vast area of interest.

Vikrant is the fourth aircraft carrier to be operated by the Indian Navy — first Vikrant (British origin) from 1961 to 1997, INS Viraat (British origin) from 1987 to 2016, and INS Vikramaditya from 2013 onwards.

Vikrant is 262 metres long, has a height of 61 metres (keel to mast), and its flight deck measures 12,500 square metres (equivalent to 10 Olympic-size swimming pools. It has an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles, a maximum speed of 28 knots, 2,300 compartments, and can carry a crew of 1,600.

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This is also important for sustaining our Maritime Dominance in all three geographical expanses of the IOR. The requirement of a third Aircraft Carrier for the Indian Navy has also been acknowledged by the Standing Committee on Defence.

‘INS Vikrant stands testimony to our nation’s efforts towards complete indigenization of our Armed Forces. With this, India has become part of the elite group of Nations possessing the niche capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier.

The Carrier Battle Group (CBG), of which the Aircraft Carrier is the central entity, is a means of projecting maritime power at sea and from the sea.

It is a self-contained and composite force capable of undertaking an entire range of tasks that no other platform/shore-based aircraft can undertake. The CBG is capable of providing “persistent air power” in a region at extremely short notice and has the inherent flexibility and mobility to shift to a new theatre of operations in 48 to 72 hours. 

“Further, while the requirement for a Third Carrier is being actively considered by the Govt, the Navy is already ‘underway’ in bringing the nascent imperatives to the drawing board. “.

On the Indian Navy’s ‘capacity’ and ‘capabilities’ with reference to the dimensions such as surface, subsurface, aerospace, and cyber on the one hand and spheres such as ‘brown water’ and ‘blue water’ on the other, Admiral Kumar said, “IN platforms, by their role, are primarily categorized as Bluewater and Brown water platforms.

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The Indian Navy has fast-tracked the process of purchasing 26 fighter jets for its two aircraft carriers after evaluating the trial report of the two shortlisted contenders — F/A 18 Super Hornet of Boeing and the Rafale of Dassault Aviation.

The Super Hornets are US-made while the Rafale is manufactured by France. The Navy needs 26 jets for the two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

The Navy has carried out trials of both the aircraft from its shore-based facility, INS Hansa in Goa, which is a replica of an aircraft carrier deck.

The trial team submitted its report to the Naval headquarters recently after carrying out extensive trials at its Goa-based facility. The evaluation process is at an advanced stage.

The two contenders in the tender have given extensive details of their planes to the Navy and all the issues would be taken into consideration before arriving at the plane to be shortlisted for the carrier-based operations.

The jets are required for operations on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier as the MiG-29s are found to be sufficient only for the operational readiness requirements of the first aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya.

INS Vikrant is without an element of fighter aircraft as trials are supposed to be conducted by the end of this year. The Navy earlier required 57 planes for operations on both the carriers, but the requirement was cut short by more than half in support of indigenous planes.

The Navy is looking at getting the 26 aircraft within three years of the order being placed. Out of the 26, the Navy wants eight two-seaters for training purposes. However, the Rafale is a single-seater, while the Super Hornet comes in both configurations.

One advantage that the Super Hornet has over the Rafale is the foldable wings, which reduce its wing span from 44 feet to 30 feet, making it more flexible to be accommodated. The Super Hornet can carry four anti-ship missiles compared to one on the Rafale. The Super Hornet with a maximum take off weight is 29,900 kg, while the Rafale is 24,500 kg.

Sources said once the Navy zeroes in on the choice, it will likely be a government-to-government deal like the one for getting 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force.

The navy is looking at an aircraft that can operate from both STOBAR (Short take off- but arrested recovery) and CATOBAR (Catapult Take-off but arrested recovery) aircraft carriers. The STOBAR carriers come with a ski-jump ramp while the CATOBARs are flat deck. Indian Navy’s two carriers INS Vikramaditya and newly inducted INS Vikrant are both STOBAR carriers. The third carrier under planning is likely to be a CATOBAR and keeping that in mind, the navy’s requirement is to have a fighter jet that can operate from both, as the current MiG 29s are limited to the two STOBAR carriers of the Indian Navy.

A CATOBAR carrier can have a bigger impact as it increases range, has more weapons and can operate a variety of aircraft.

Super Hornet and Rafale are suited for CATOBAR carriers but the tests that have taken place are from the navy’s shore-based facility in Goa that has a ski-jump and is identical to the two aircraft carriers India has.

The original Navy plan was to buy 57 fighters but there have been delays. Sources said now the navy is speeding up the process for the critical acquisition of at least 26 aircraft. The Navy currently has a fleet of 40 plus MiG 29 K aircraft but will need replacement at some point of time. With 18-20 aircraft operating from each carrier if a third one indeed gets a go-ahead surely more fighters would be needed. In the Indian Navy’s plans is a third carrier, even though it might be a distant dream as of now. The MiG 29 Ks were inducted in 2010 and the first squadron commissioned in 2013 to operate from INS Vikramaditya.

More BrahMos Missiles for Warships

The Ministry of Defence, on 22 September, signed a Rs 1,700-crore deal with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for acquisition of dual-role capable surface-to-surface BrahMos missiles for deployment on warships of the Indian Navy.

“Providing further impetus to atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) signed a contract with BAPL for acquisition of additional dual-role capable surface-to-surface BrahMos missiles at an overall approximate cost of Rs 1,700 crore under the ‘buy-Indian’ category. Induction of these dual-role capable missiles is going to significantly enhance the operational capability of Indian Navy fleet assets,” said a statement from the MoD.

A combination of the names of Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, BrahMos missiles are designed, developed and produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture company set up by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Mashinostroyenia of Russia. The first test launch of the initial version of Brahmos took place in 2001. Various types of the BrahMos, including those which can be fired from land, warships and the Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, have already been developed and successfully tested and inducted since then.

The MoD further said: “It is notable that BAPL is making crucial contribution to augment the new generation surface-to-surface missiles with enhanced range and dual-role capability for land as well as anti-ship attacks. This contract is going to give further boost to indigenous production of critical weapon system and ammunition with active participation of indigenous industry.”

BrahMos is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine. Its first stage brings the missile to supersonic speed and then gets separated. The liquid ramjet or the second stage then takes the missile closer to three times the speed of sound in cruise phase. The missile has a very low radar signature, making it stealthy, and can achieve a variety of trajectories. The ‘fire and forget’ type missile can achieve a cruising altitude of 15 km and a terminal altitude as low as 10m to hit the target. The enhanced range version of the missile has a range of 4,000km, as compared to the original range of 290km.

Cruise missiles such as BrahMos, called ‘standoff range weapons’, which are fired from a range far enough to allow the attacker to evade defensive fire from the adversary. These weapons are in the arsenal of most major militaries in the world.

Diving Support Vessels

Two Diving Support Vessels (Nistar & Nipun) being built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Vishakapatnam for the Indian Navy, were launched on 22 Sep 22.

The Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) are first of the kind, ships indigenously designed and built at HSL for the Indian Navy. The vessels are 118.4 metres long, 22.8 metres at the broadest point and will have a displacement of 9,350 tons.

These ships would be deployed for deep sea diving operations. Additionally, with Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) embarked, the DSVs are designed to undertake submarine rescue operations, in case requirement exists. Furthermore, these ships will be capable of sustained patrolling, conducting Search & Rescue operations and carrying out Helicopter Operations at high seas.

With approximately 80 % indigenous content, the DSV project has generated considerable local employment opportunities and has also promoted indigenisation which in turn will aid in boosting India’s economy.

Third Aircraft Carrier – INS Vishal

The Indian Navy’s second aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, will be fully operational by the end of 2022 and it is likely to move forward with the third aircraft carrier, INS Vishal targeting the year 2030. The added capabilities being envisaged for future carriers could boost our capacity building in terms of maritime security as follows:

 Incorporation of technologies such as the Electromagnetic Air Lift System (EMALS), which was disseminated to India by the US defence company, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Inc. in 2017.

 The Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) system is used in advanced aircraft carriers for the purpose of ‘catapulting’ aircraft (especially heavy-weight fighters) and ‘assisting’ their landing back on the carrier using arrestor wires.

 A nuclear power plant to cater to all the energy needs on board and for prolonged deployment.

 Space for housing more fighter aircraft and carrier-borne blade folding AEW aircraft.

 Could fly aerial drones and dock autonomous underwater and surface vehicles.

To counter the recent threats from China and to neutralise the hegemony being demanded by China over Indo Pacific region, getting an upper hand at sea is the way forward for India. By just choking the Malacca Straights in the far east, India can counter China effectively during the discourse of an incident. Deployment of carriers at critical points in oceans could become a game-changer during the time of hot pursuits. Henceforth, India needs to have strategic dominance across Indian Ocean Region for maintaining its interests. With the third carrier, we can ensure the availability of two carriers for deployment at any given time.

These aircraft carriers are slightly cheaper alternatives than overseas military bases. To the  Indian Navy, it assures that in some conflictual situations in the Indo-Pacific region, these fighter aircraft carriers will be available on the ground. They can be deployed for combat requirements and provide a long range of surveillance that cannot be provided by a shore-based asset.

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With China aggressively building new aircraft carriers and a blue-water navy to counter the US and project power around the globe, the Indian Navy is now pushing hard for its long-standing case for a third and much bigger aircraft carrier to retain its combat edge in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Naval chief, Admiral Hari Kumar, mentioned during his Navy Day 2022 press conference, ‘It’s not about either carrier or submarine, but the right balance between ships, submarines and aircraft.’ The third aircraft carrier, which the navy desires, is expected to be of 65,000 to 70,000 tonnes as compared to INS Vikrant of 45,000 tonnes. It is estimated to cost approximately Rs 80,000 to 90,000 crore, including provision of aircraft and helicopters.

Blue water capabilities only flow through aircraft carriers. In case India possesses three aircraft carriers, at any one time, two would be available. On the other hand, there is a counter view that the age of aircraft carriers has passed. Its cost of construction, maintenance and alternatives, including use of island territories as airbases, and submarines for sea denial are cheaper and more viable.

Aircraft carriers are known to have lengthy maintenance schedules. The cycle of maintenance can lead to an absence of a carrier for years, as has been the case with the refit of India’s lone aircraft carrier the 45,000-tonne INS Vikramaditya, acquired from Russia for $2.33 billion in November 2013. Its refit started in the beginning of 2021 and still continues. It has been delayed due to a fire onboard in July.

With one aircraft carrier still under maintenance and one yet to be inducted, the Indian Navy will be operating without one for some more time.

In Support of the Third Aircraft Carrier

The overall air power that an aircraft carrier brings to the operational area is not limited to the tremendous capabilities that the fighter aircraft can deliver. It also includes the capabilities of the carrier-borne helicopters and the weapon package of the escort and support ships that sail with the carrier as part of the Carrier Battle Group.

An aircraft carrier is central to the Navy’s concept of operations, and the Navy would need three aircraft carriers to safeguard national maritime interests within our areas of interest against the backdrop of changing geopolitics in the Indian Ocean region. The Carrier Battle Groups are undoubtedly the source of power projection, and provide freedom of manoeuvre in the vast area of operations of interests. The three carriers would arm the Navy with the required teeth to deter our potential adversaries from any misadventure, as well as to establish credible deterrence in our area of operations. The maritime capability perspective plan of the Indian Navy, therefore, envisages induction of three aircraft carriers to ensure development of capability to operate two Carrier Battle Groups at all times, and with the third carrier under maintenance.

The indigenous ecosystem has been created by building the IAC. The stage is now well set to take the next step forward to indigenously build the next aircraft carrier to ensure the expertise gained is utilized to the maximum in times to come.

After building the Rs 20,000-crore IAC, which took 13 years from keel-laying to delivery after being first sanctioned by the government way back in January 2003, the Cochin Shipyard (CSL) is ready for the next carrier project.

Once the go-ahead is given, CSL can build a warship similar to IAC in eight years. Its new 310-meter dry dock will be ready by 2024 to build a 65,000-tonne carrier.

Against Aircraft Carriers

Aircraft carriers are vulnerable to long-range missiles such as the Chinese DF 21D and DF 26. The loss of an aircraft carrier in operations is a major loss for the nation. India does not have an expeditionary doctrine or forces, hence, aircraft carriers are considered unnecessary. It is arguable whether the Indian Navy should have a third carrier or build additional submarines, whose strength has reduced to 16 from the desired 24.

Submarines can effectively provide a ‘sea denial strategy’ as against a ‘sea control strategy’ created by ‘Carrier Battle Groups (CBG).’ Sea denial may be a better option for the country, which lacks financial resources.

Due to shortfall in funds,the Navy has reduced its projections for a 200-warship navy by 2027 to 175. It has also lowered its demands for helicopters and P 81 Maritime multi-mission aircraft.

Air power experts root for air to air refuellers to enhance the range of fighter aircraft and support naval operations from shore-based airfields.

Aircraft carriers project a nation’s capabilities in peace time. However, Indian aircraft carriers are unlikely to be operationally employed beyond the Indian Ocean region, for which a two-carrier fleet is sufficient.

Operating three CBGs is also requires the necessary support flotilla, even if two are operational at any one time.

Threat from China

China already operates two carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, and is fast building two more with CATOBAR configuration. The third Chinese carrier, the over 80,000-tonne Fujian, was `launched’ in June. The US has 11 `super’ 100,000-tonne nuclear-powered carriers, each of which carries 80-90 fighters and aircraft.

China started manufacturing its first aircraft carrier in 2012 and commissioned its third indigenous one, Fujian, in June this year.

China has become the biggest Navy with 355 warships and submarines while India’s total fleet strength is 130.

In its quest for regional and global power, China made a decisive turn to the sea around 20 years back, and the balance between maritime and continental orientation began to shift towards the former. This was stepped up since 2013, under President Xi Jinping. In the last 15 years or so, the PLA Navy has added over 100 major ships and submarines to its fleet. It is the most rapid growth by any Navy for a long time in recent history. PLA Navy deployments have also grown rapidly, and new bases and access arrangements in the Indo-Pacific have been operationalised.

These increases imply hardening of the Chinese posture and continuation of aggressive approaches, unless efforts by many other countries towards a “push back” yield some results. It will also mean increased deployments and presence of the PLA Navy in other areas, including the Indian Ocean. The challenge can manifest in a variety of ways, on trade routes, shipping, coercive approaches in India’s neighbourhood, and other conventional military threats. The rapid growth of the PLA Navy is also meant to create maritime power asymmetries, which would need suitable responses.

The security challenges posed by the widening footprint of the PLA Navy, the potential of China-Pakistan collusion, and growing traditional and non-traditional threats at sea are pointers towards a further increase in the Indian Navy’s roles and responsibilities.

Comments

For the Indian Navy’s roles and responsibilities, both sea control or sea denial are needed. The Navy must be a balanced force, with the right mix of assets and capabilities that can address the threats and challenges.

The third indigenous aircraft carrier is needed and fits well with the role that India should play in the region, as well as for our security requirements. Integral air power has many strategic, operational and tactical advantages that cannot be replicated by shore-based air power. These include strengthening strategic stability in India’s areas of interest, displaying resolve and intent where required, deterrence, sea-control, trade and SLOC security, full integration of the air wing with the situation at sea, control and direction of aircraft for air combat and time critical targets, response time, persistence, and inherent flexibility.

Vulnerabilities of carriers should be addressed through tactical planning, self and collective defence capabilities, and countermeasures.

The broad contours of the ship, including size, tonnage, configuration, propulsion, and the air wing have been debated for long. The proposed indigenous aircraft carrier-2 (IAC-2, expected to be 65-70,000 tonnes) will supplement INS Vikramaditya (46,000 tonnes), and INS Vikrant, the 44,500-tonne IAC-1.

It is time to take a decision.

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The commissioning of India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, by the prime minister, on 2 September, at Chochin Shipyard, marks the dawn of a new era for the Navy. Befittingly, INS Vikrant is named after its predecessor, which had played a key role in the naval blockade of East Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The old carrier, which was bought from the UK, was decommissioned in the 1990s.

The 45,000-tonne vessel – “a floating airfield and a floating town” – will carry a crew of 1,600 and a fleet of 30 aircraft will operate from it. It was built at a cost of over Rs 20,000 crore.

The carrier was designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Cochin Shipyard. It has over 75 per cent indigenous content, which includes the higher-grade steel used for warships. Some critical technology was imported but the building of the aircraft carrier will give the country the confidence to set bigger targets in defence manufacturing and achieve them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it bore testimony to the government’s ‘atmanirbhar’ programme.

The designing of the ship began in 1999 and its keel was laid in 2009. It was floated out of dry dock in 2011 and launched into the sea in 2013. That it took nine years from then to commissioning now is a cause for worry. It is still not fully operational as a warship. Even berthing facilities are yet to be created in Vizag, which will be its home port.

Vikrant will help project naval power

With Vikrant, India joined the elite group of nations – the US, Russia, France, the UK and China – who are capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers. Also, with a displacement of 43,000 tonnes when fully loaded, INS Vikrant is set to be the seventh largest among the carriers or carrier classes in the world.

INS Vikrant, the country’s second aircraft carrier now will, along with INS Vikramaditya, help raise the strength, reach and profile of Indian Navy and project its power far from the country’s shores. It is very relevant and significant when the Chinese navy is increasingly active in the Indo-Pacific region.

INS Vikrant is expected to put India’s naval force, now gifted with a new ensign, on a firm footing in the choppy waters. India’s stature as a responsible naval power is buttressed by its commitment to ensuring a ‘free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific’ and helping out IOR nations under Mission SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Old INS Vikrant

INS Vikrant, with pennant number R11, was the first-ever aircraft carrier that was operated by the Indian Navy. The ship was officially laid down in 1943, and was being built for the Royal Navy as HMS (Her Majesty’s Ship) Hercules when the constitution was put on hold after World War II ended.

Like many other ships at the time, the under-construction HMS Hercules was put up for sale by the United Kingdom, and was purchased by India in 1957. The construction work was completed and the ship was commissioned in the Indian Navy as INS Vikrant in 1961.

The ship operated its aircraft fleet with a catapult assisted system and ski-jump during its service.

Compared to the new INS Vikrant, the old one had less than half its displacement and was over 210 metres in length against 260 metres of the present one.

R11 saw significant action during the 1971 war with Pakistan when it led the Naval blockade of East Pakistan. The ship was decommissioned in 1997 after 36 years of service. Over the next 15 years, it was preserved as a museum ship before being finally sold to be dismantled.

The Name Vikrant

The Sanskrit word Vikrant, which means courageous, finds its origins in various scriptures including the Bhagwad Gita. The sixth shloka in the first chapter of the Gita, while describing the valour of some Generals from the army of Pandavas, uses the adjective ‘Vikrant’.

As far as the origin of the word goes, the ‘Vi’ prefix in the Sanskrit word denotes something that is distinctive or extraordinary, and the ‘krant’ suffix means to move or advance in a direction.

The word Viraat which means magnanimous, can also be found in the same chapter of Gita in a later verse and is the name of the now decommissioned and dismantled British-origin Centaur-class aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy.

Along with the pennant number R11, the newly commissioned INS Vikrant also carries forward the motto of its predecessor – “Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprudhah” – from the Rigveda which means: “I conquer those who fight against me”.

Indigenous design and construction

The first major milestone for IAC – also referred to as Project 71 (P71) – was ceremonial steel cutting in April 2005. Other ceremonial events followed soon.

In any ship’s life there are four key ceremonial occasions – keel laying, launching, commissioning and decommissioning.

Keel laying ceremony originates from the tradition of laying one central timber that forms the backbone of the ship. For modern ships, keel laying is marked by placing the first of the modular components of the ship being placed in the dock. The keel of the IAC-I was laid on February 28, 2009.

The IAC was launched on August 12 in 2013 and by that time, 80% of its structure had been fabricated and all the major machinery including turbines, alternators and gearboxes were installed.

The readiness of IAC’s propulsion and power generation equipment and related systems was tested in harbour as part of basin trials in November 2020.

The sea trials were delayed because of the second COVID-19 wave.

Finally on August 4 last year, the first phase of sea trials kicked off with the IAC sailing on its first open sea voyage from Kochi, and returning four days later.

This was followed by second and third phases of sea trials in October 2021 and January 2022, respectively.

These three phases tested the propulsion machinery, electrical and electronic suites, deck machinery, life-saving appliances, ship’s navigation and communication systems. Fourth and final phase of sea trials for the IAC was completed on July 10 after conducting integrated testing of the majority of the equipment and systems onboard, including some of the Aviation Facilities Complex equipment. The ship was delivered to the Navy on July 28.

The equipment, amenities and apparatus onboard

The INS Vikrant is 262 metres long and 62 metres wide, making its flight deck bigger than two football fields. The aircraft carrier displaces around 4,3000 tonnes when fully loaded, with a maximum designed speed of 28 knots with endurance of 7,500 nautical miles, which is equivalent to around 14,000 km.

The 18-floor high ship has close to 2,400 compartments, designed to house 1,600-strong crew. It also has specialised cabins to accommodate women officers and sailors. The aviation hangar is as big as two Olympic-size pools that can accommodate around 20 aircraft. There is a well-equipped kitchen that can serve a diverse menu. It also has a unit that makes 3,000 rotis per hour.

Its medical complex has a 16-bed hospital along with modular emergency operation theatre, physiotherapy clinic, Intensive Care Unit, pathology set up, radiology wing with a CT scanner and X-Ray machines, a dental complex, isolation ward and telemedicine facilities.

In its fully operational mode, the carrier will have an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising of Russian-origin, carrier-capable MiG-29K fighter jets and airborne early warning control helicopter Kamov-31 helicopters, US origin MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to homegrown Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy). Vikrant uses the Short Take Off but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) model with a ski-jump for launching aircraft, and a set of three arrester wires for their recovery onboard.

The path ahead after commissioning

Flight Trials

Flight trials aboard indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant will start in November and the warship is expected to be fully operational along with its air wing by June 2023.

The flight trials will involve the Russian-origin MiG-29K fighter jets that will use the ‘ski-jump’ to takeoff from Vikrant’s deck and will be recovered by arrester wires, known as STOBAR – short takeoff but arrested recovery.

12 MiG-29Ks are likely to be deployed on Vikrant along with a new deck-based fighter that the navy is looking to buy as an interim measure to meet its requirements before the indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) is ready. The navy’s existing aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya operates MiG-29K fighters.

India plans to buy 26 new fighters for Vikrant through a government-to-government deal to meet the navy’s requirements, with US firm Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet competing against French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation’s Rafale-M for the order.

Vikrant, which has an indigenous content of 76%, will operate an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft including the new fighters, MiG-29Ks, Kamov-31 choppers, MH-60R multi-role helicopters and advanced light helicopters.

Boeing, one of the two contenders for an Indian order for deck-based fighter jets, is pitching to equip the navy with its F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft and dovetailed its offer with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) strategy.

The French side stresses that the Rafale-M brings commonality with the Indian Air Force’s 36 Rafale fighters, thus offering advantages related to training, maintenance and logistics support. While the Super Hornet operates from all 11 US Navy aircraft carriers, the Rafale-M is deployed on the French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

Questions have been raised about the serviceability of the MiG-29K fighters (India has imported 45 of these jets from Russia) that the existing aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya operates, and the Russia-Ukraine war has not helped matters.

Like INS Vikramaditya, the fighters on board Vikrant will also use the ski-jump to takeoff and will be recovered by arrester wires or what is known as STOBAR (short takeoff but arrested recovery) in navy parlance.

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In playing this larger role, the Indian Navy is currently stretched due to limited assets. A few years back, it operated from the east coast of Africa to the Malacca Strait. But now, it regularly deploys in distant regions, and frequently operate in the Western Pacific, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Hence, the induction of INS Vikrant is significant, to sustain such deployments. It will also increase the combat capability of the Navy, once the carrier air wing is integrated onboard over the next few months.

INS Vikrant will help contribute to India’s long-range deployments. It will enhance deterrence and combat capabilities once its integral air is operational. As the second aircraft carrier, it enhances the Navy’s flexibility, reach and sustainability in maritime operations. It will also enable availability of integral air at sea, when one of the two carriers is undergoing refit or routine maintenance.

Improved naval capabilities also allow stepping up partnerships, exercises and deployments with other friendly countries, which in turn contribute to regional stability. Within the Quad, Japan and Australia largely operate in the Pacific. The acquisition of Vikrant will strengthen the Indian Ocean segment of India’s partnerships. Further, it needs to be noted that India cannot be a net security provider without adequate and suitable naval capabilities.

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It is the first aircraft carrier to be built in India, and represents the country’s growing capabilities in naval shipbuilding. As a symbol of national pride and military power, the INS Vikrant is an important component of India’s strategic defence capabilities. The aircraft carrier will play a crucial role in India’s ability to project naval power and defend its interests in the Indian Ocean region. It will also be a major boost to the Indian Navy’s Blue Water capability.

Building an aircraft carrier is a highly complex and challenging task that involves several factors. Aircraft carriers are some of the largest and most complex ships ever built, requiring advanced engineering and design capabilities to ensure they can withstand the stresses of prolonged use at sea. Building an aircraft carrier requires advanced shipbuilding techniques, and the use of specialized materials such as steel and aluminum. The process also requires a large workforce and a significant investment in infrastructure.

An aircraft carrier must have a wide range of systems and equipment, including propulsion systems, navigation and communication systems, weapons systems, and aircraft launch and recovery systems, all of which must be integrated and tested to ensure they work together seamlessly.

Building an aircraft carrier is an extremely expensive endeavor that requires large investments in research and development as well as construction. The construction of an aircraft carrier is time-consuming process, it usually take years to complete.

There are several arguments in favor of having aircraft carriers as a part of a country’s naval fleet besides providing the ability to project naval power and influence over long distances, allowing for rapid deployment of military assets in response to global crises and emergencies.

Aircraft carriers provide the navy a blue water capability to operate far from home ports, allow for the deployment of fighter jets and other aircraft, which can provide air support to other naval vessels and ground troops, as well as conduct reconnaissance and strike missions. Along with their accompanying strike groups, aircraft carriers can be used to assert naval control over a specific area of the ocean, enabling a country to maintain sea lanes of communication and protect its own shipping.

Aircraft carriers can serve as powerful symbols of a country’s military strength and capabilities, and can be used to exert diplomatic pressure in international relations.

While aircraft carriers have many advantages, there are also several arguments against having them, the biggest of them being their vulnerability to attack from submarines, missiles, and other weapons. Their loss could be a significant blow to a country’s military capabilities. Aircraft carriers are also specialized platforms, designed for specific roles and missions. This can limit their flexibility and make them less adaptable to changing strategic situations.

The composition of a carrier strike group can vary depending on the specific mission. It may typically include escort ships to provide air and missile defence, submarines, supply ships, amphibious ships, aircraft, : The carrier carries a complement of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and surveillance aircraft capable of conducting a wide range of missions, helicopters,  and support vessels.

Aircraft carriers are vulnerable to a variety of threats, including submarine-launched torpedoes, cruise missiles and special forces; land and sea-based missiles; mines; suicide attacks by terrorists and cyber attacks.

Protective measures inclrease the complexity of operating carrier groups. Escort ships, anti-submarine warfare measures, air defence systems, electronic warfare support measures, decoy systems, cyber defence measures, are all essential.

The design development and construction of an aircraft carrier requires some critical technologies.

Advanced materials such as high-strength steel and aluminum alloys, powerful propulsion systems, flight deck technologies, Air Traffic Control systems, catapults and launch systems, advanced modeling and simulation, are some of the essential technologies, which can become obsolete quickly, making them less effective over time and not able to keep up with the rapid changes in naval warfare technology.

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The development marks the culmination of a long journey – the carrier’s construction began in 2009.

“With the delivery of Vikrant, India has joined a select group of nations having the niche capability to design and build an aircraft carrier,” the navy statement read.
It has been built at a cost of around ₹20,000 crore and will significantly boost the country’s naval presence and its reach, navy officials said. The warship’s delivery comes in the backdrop of rigorous user acceptance trials carried out between August 2021 and July 2022.

Vikrant has put India in a select league — only the US, the UK, Russia, France and China have the capability to build aircraft carriers. The 262-metre-long carrier has a full displacement of 45,000 tonne. It has been named after aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, operated by the navy from 1961 to 1997.

It has an indigenous content of 76%. It is a “perfect example of the nation’s quest for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and provides thrust to the government’s Make in India initiative,” the navy said.

Describing Vikrant as a great national achievement, former navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash (retd) said the aircraft carrier will enhance the country’s power projection and sea control capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

“Building it has taken much longer than it should have. But it’s a good learning experience. It will be meaningful only if we follow it up with a second indigenous aircraft carrier. Otherwise, the skill and expertise that we have acquired will die out, and it will be a huge national loss,” Prakash added.

It will operate an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 choppers, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, advanced light helicopters and light combat aircraft (navy).

The fighters on board the aircraft carrier will use the ski-jump to takeoff and will be recovered by arrestor wires or STOBAR (short takeoff but arrested recovery) in navy parlance.

Vikrant is also expected to operate a new deck-based fighter that the navy is planning to buy — it has already tested Boeing’s F/A-18E Super Hornet and Dassault Aviation’s Rafale-M.The carrier was designed by the Indian Navy’s directorate of naval design. It has 14 decks, including five in the superstructure, 2,300 compartments, and can accommodate a crew of 1,700, including specialised cabins for women.

India currently operates a solitary aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, bought second-hand from Russia for $2.33 billion, but the navy has been arguing it needs three such floating airfields given its vast area of interest.

Vikrant will be commissioned into the navy barely two months after China launched its third aircraft carrier, the first such designed and built entirely in that country. The launch of the new carrier called Fujian on June 17 came against the backdrop of China’s push for greater maritime influence in the far seas and as its warships attempt to leave their mark in Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.

A warship’s launch marks a significant milestone in its construction and refers to the vessel entering the water for the first time. China currently operates two aircraft carriers — CV-16 Liaoning and CV-17 Shandong.

Vikrant will be the fourth aircraft carrier to be operated by the Indian Navy, first Vikrant (British origin) from 1961 to 1997, INS Viraat (British origin) from 1987 to 2016 and INS Vikramaditya (Russian origin) 2013 onwards.

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