India Seeks Indigenous Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System for Upcoming IAC-III Carrier

India's ambitious journey towards self-reliance in defence technology is gaining momentum. The nation's defence establishment has set its sights on developing an indigenous Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for its planned IAC-III aircraft carrier.

If successful, India would join an exclusive club with the United States and China as the only nations possessing this cutting-edge technology.

Collaborative Development and Funding Push​

The Indian Defence Minister's recent inspection of a scale model EMALS system, testifies to the progress made through a collaborative effort involving state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), private industries, and academic institutions.

To bring this system to fruition on the 65,000-ton IAC-III carrier, both BEL and the Indian Navy are actively pursuing funding avenues.

Cost-Consciousness Drives Innovation​

A significant factor propelling this indigenous development is cost control.

Although the United States has offered customized EMALS and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) systems for the IAC-III, the associated price tag exceeding $1 billion, along with India-specific development expenses, presents a considerable financial hurdle.

Strategic Planning for Self-Sufficiency​

To address this challenge, the Indian Navy envisions conducting feasibility studies with partners to construct a functional full-scale model of the EMALS and AAG system.

Gaining approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is crucial as it would secure the necessary funding for this crucial stage of development.

Implications for India's Naval Prowess​

The potential rewards of this project are significant. An indigenous EMALS system would dramatically augment the IAC-III carrier's capabilities, enabling the launch of heavier and faster aircraft.

Beyond that, it would exemplify India's growing self-reliance in critical defence technologies, lessening reliance on foreign suppliers.

Challenges and the Road Ahead​

However, the path to achieving this goal isn't without obstacles. Creating such technologically advanced systems necessitates considerable technical expertise, financial resources, and time.

The project's triumph rests on navigating these challenges while securing essential approvals and funding.

Conclusion​

India's pursuit of an indigenous EMALS is a testament to its determination to become a leading player in defence technology.

The success of this venture stands to greatly enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities and bolster the nation's strategic autonomy.

 

[sanket]

Funds Release is crucial not for this But AMCA project Aero-Engine Development 110kN & MRFA .

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

This is food for thought for far future. Worry about it when IAC starts getting designed

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Funds Release is crucial not for this But AMCA project Aero-Engine Development 110kN & MRFA .

Yes. Navy always thinks about their requirements before needed; Air Force should learn, they think about their requirements when time is gone.

 

[INDIAN]

Fifth generation fighter AMCA still waiting for funds...

 

[Superpower Bharat]

First sanction IAC-II carrier (same as vikrant class) early so that construction can starts.. IAC -III is at least 7-10 years away from approval..

 

[Harsh]

When EMAL technology is perfected, installed and successfully commissioned on an IAC, it will be a "hugely" achievement for the country.

 

[Sir Capt]

Media should refrain from mentioning China. China has no innovation capability or engineering skills. All the technology is stolen or reverse engineered. China should not be acknowledged.

 

[Rajesh]

Of all the hurdles that this team is going to face is the release of funds by mod and next is the pathetic phrase ie drdo should resign by import lobbies paid keyboard warriors.

 

[Sandeep]

I think this technology will be too expensive to develop and it requires a huge amount of energy and is it actually needed? The EMALS is used to launch heavier planes but India doesn't have any heavy plane such as for transport or mini AWACS. Also we would need even larger carriers of at least 80000t which will allow us to operate those larger planes along with jets and helicopters which need a lot of space.

Also those transport planes and AWACS will need to be specifically designed and developed so they can operate it from our carrier and it will be difficult to develop and may take a long time indigenously. If we import or make the plane with a foreign company then we would have to make it compatible with the EMALS that we have developed which makes things very complicated.

 

[Rational Guy]

When EMAL technology is perfected, installed and successfully commissioned on an IAC, it will be a "hugely" achievement for the country.

15-20 years away min