Indian Navy to Replace Aging Aircraft Carrier Vikramaditya with Upcoming 66k-tonne IAC-2, Opting Out of Three-Carrier Fleet Expansion

In a strategic shift, the Indian Navy has decided to replace its aging aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, with the upcoming Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2), rather than expanding to a three-carrier fleet as previously planned. This decision marks a significant change in the Navy's force structure and has ignited debate regarding India's naval capabilities and strategic priorities.

The Indian government has overruled the Navy's long-held desire for a three-carrier fleet, which was considered essential for maintaining a continuous carrier presence in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, even during maintenance periods. This shift in policy prioritizes the development of the IAC-2 as a direct replacement for INS Vikramaditya, which is expected to reach the end of its operational life by 2038.

INS Vikramaditya, acquired from Russia in 2013, has served as a crucial component of India's naval power projection. However, with its service life drawing to a close, the Navy has decided to focus on the indigenous development of the IAC-2. This new carrier, currently in the planning phase, will ensure the Navy maintains its current strength of two operational aircraft carriers.

While initially considering a repeat order of the INS Vikrant design for the IAC-2, the Navy may now revisit its original vision for a larger, more advanced carrier. This 65,000-tonne vessel could feature cutting-edge technologies like the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), significantly enhancing its capabilities.

This decision to forego a third carrier raises questions about India's ability to project power and maintain a consistent presence in multiple maritime theaters, particularly in scenarios involving prolonged engagements or multiple fronts. However, it also underscores the commitment to developing indigenous warship-building capabilities and potentially fielding a more advanced and capable carrier in the future.

The construction of the IAC-2 will further solidify India's position as one of the few nations with the capacity to design and build aircraft carriers, a capability currently held by only the US, the UK, Russia, France, and China The first indigenous carrier, INS Vikrant, was built at Cochin Shipyard at a cost of ₹20,000 crore and commissioned in September 2022.

The IAC-2 is expected to leverage the expertise and infrastructure developed during the construction of INS Vikrant, bolstering India's domestic shipbuilding industry.

 

[DS]

Organic AirPower at sea in Indian Ocean is a sine qua non for Indian Navy. Hence a three aircraft carrier Navy is required and projected in our Perspective Plans.

Do we need to retire Vikramaditya aircraft carrier ?

India can upgrade it to a gas turbine powered warship in 2035 as we have full know how now after building VIKRANT ( fitted with LM2500 gas turbines ) at home in CSL.

Once refitted VIKRAMADITYA will be excellent for HOME FLEET duties in Arabian Sea / Bay of Bengal / Island territories of India.

 

[Pankaj Bawankule]

I think MOD & Indian Navy should consider INS Vikramaditya’s standby active service from any Suitable location in the Centre of Bay of Bengal and The Arabian Sea and utilise it’s weapons and aircraft’s until it’s superannuation.

 

[lalkrishna]

In my opinion, Indian Navy should prioritise in acquiring and operating more number of state of the art fighter aircrafts, over a 3rd Aircraft carrier.
It is known for a fact that, Andaman and Lakshadweep islands already acts as floating air bases in the sea, with the commissioning INS Jatayu just kilometers away from Maldives.

Indian Navy must operate a formidable airforce, so that IAF can relocate some of the aircraft from the southern air command and relocate to northern air command.

TEDBF and even Hornets can be operated from these forward airbases, thus providing valuable support to the Rafale M and maintaining air superiority in the region.

Even if IAC-2 is commissioned 2038, vikramaditya can be overhauled and refitted, be in ready for temporary deployment mode, help maintaining 3 aircraft carries, effectively.

 

[Ashram]

I think they require a multiple small type carrier which can carry swarm drones than an aircraft carrier.The future all looks like kamikaze drones or bombers .Small sized carriers will definitely be cost effective and useful to defend our coasts .

 

[M S Chatterji]

Then make 18 SSNs of different size and capabilities!

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

I agree with this. Navy does not have enough fighters for 3 carriers. Better to focus on other warships and submarines. 2 carriers enough for now

 

[Anant]

Considering that the idea here is to go for more submarines, it is possible the Navy might go for a modified Vikrant.

This does mean, however, that IAC-III can now be scaled up to 75,000-80,000 tons, have CATOBAR and either IEP or nuclear propulsion. That way, start work on the carrier in the early 2040s, and have the ship in service by the mid-2050s, getting a three carrier Navy. A second ship of this class can then arguably replace Vikrant in the 2060s.

Regardless, while this is not a decision I am personally too enthused with, it is good that this debate has been settled for now. We must make do with what we have and what we can manage. Hopefully, with this thing settled, we should see a ramp up in submarine plans.

 

[Phantom]

All we need is 4 LHD carriers that L&T is currently building, we will have 4+3=7 carriers theoretically, Vikrant, Vikramaditya and IAC-2 plus 4 Amphibious Assault carrier's, we can deploy helicopters and STOVL jets like F35B in them, one more 45ton carrier is a joke, we need 80-90t carrier with Catapult launcher preferably Electro Magnetic one that is light weight.

 

[beencensured]

I agree with this. Navy does not have enough fighters for 3 carriers. Better to focus on other warships and submarines. 2 carriers enough for now

India is not a small country, maybe you are thinking about Pakistan.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Important is not to loose the tech competence and the learnings we had while constructing previous AC.

 

[navigate]

The two wars at Ukrain and middle east have shown very lucidity that the dynamics of war are changing or may have already changed.

From traditional ways to modern ways which include and are not limited to drone war fare, swarm drone war fare, loyal wingman with 6th generation aircraft, satellite war fare with capability to launch attacks, both kinetic and or electromagnetic from satellites in near earth space orbits, or from high flying loitering munitions and drones capable of electronic war fare.

Now capability to hack the enemies electronics, computers, drone handling equipments, drones as an active form of Defence beg to built upon.

This apart from solid deterent capability in conventional warfare is needed.

 

[Crusader 2024]

In my opinion, Indian Navy should prioritise in acquiring and operating more number of state of the art fighter aircrafts, over a 3rd Aircraft carrier.
It is known for a fact that, Andaman and Lakshadweep islands already acts as floating air bases in the sea, with the commissioning INS Jatayu just kilometers away from Maldives.

Indian Navy must operate a formidable airforce, so that IAF can relocate some of the aircraft from the southern air command and relocate to northern air command.

TEDBF and even Hornets can be operated from these forward airbases, thus providing valuable support to the Rafale M and maintaining air superiority in the region.

Even if IAC-2 is commissioned 2038, vikramaditya can be overhauled and refitted, be in ready for temporary deployment mode, help maintaining 3 aircraft carries, effectively.

A formidable air force doesn't include buying more 4/4.5 Generation Fighters. That is a complete waste of resources. In addition, India could have afforded three Vikrants from the start. Instead, she acquires the ex-Russian Vikramaditya, IAC-I Vikrant, and now a third IAC-II Vishal. This has to stop....India needs to consolidate the number of types and sources. This is very expensive and inefficient.