Context: Recent reports from the media suggest that the Indian Navy’s persistent request for a third aircraft carrier is edging closer to reality, as Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) prepares to commence construction on an additional Vikrant-class platform weighing approximately 40,000 tonnes.

About Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2)   

• The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2) is a proposed second Indigenous aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy.

• It is planned to be similar to the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, but with some modifications.

• The IAC-2 is expected to have a displacement of around 45,000 tonnes and will be equipped with STOBAR (short take-off but arrested recovery or short take-off, barrier-arrested recovery) technology.

Key Aspects of the Third Aircraft Carrier

• Naval Imperatives and Historical Precedents: The decision to proceed with the construction of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2) reflects the Indian Navy's strategic imperative to maintain a robust fleet, recalling past lapses in submarine-building expertise. The initiative seeks to avoid a repeat of past mistakes, such as the dissipation of Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilder's capabilities, and instead ensure continuity in carrier-building capabilities.

• Operational Significance and Challenges: The IAC-2, an add-on to the Vikrant-class carriers, aims to fulfill the Navy's requirement for carrier presence on both seaboards and a reserve carrier. However, concerns linger regarding the project's substantial cost, estimated at $5-6 billion, and its operational effectiveness in the face of evolving anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, particularly from China and Pakistan.

• Strategic Considerations and Alternative Approaches: Debates within the Indian Navy revolve around the strategic choice between pursuing a 'sea denial' strategy, primarily utilizing submarines, or investing in 'sea control' through carrier battle groups. Some voices question the prioritization of a new carrier over other critical naval assets, such as submarines and surface combatants.

Why India needs new aircraft carrier?

• Strategic Deployment: Fulfill the Navy’s requirement for one carrier for each seaboard and one in reserve, supporting INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

• Avoid High Costs of Skill Revival: Learn from the costly revival of submarine-building expertise at Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders after a 10-year gap (1995- 2025), which was necessary due to the unresolved corruption scandal with German submarines.

• Counter A2/AD Threats: Address the increasing anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities developed by China and Pakistan, which pose significant threats to carrier operations.

• Indigenisation of Shipbuilding: The IAC-2 will have more local content and upgrades compared to IAC-1 Vikrant, promoting self-reliance and strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding industry.

What are the different views on India’s new aircraft carrier?

• High-Cost Concern: The new carrier’s estimated cost of around $5-6 billion is seen as a major financial burden.

• Operational Efficacy: The carrier’s operational effectiveness is questioned due to the advanced anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities of China and Pakistan.

• Alternative Strategies: The Navy is divided on whether to pursue a ‘sea denial’ strategy using submarines or a ‘sea control’ approach with carrier battle groups. Submarines are seen as cheaper and less vulnerable.

• Resource Allocation: Critics argue that resources should instead address shortages in critical areas like submarines, corvettes, mine-sweepers, destroyers, frigates, naval utility helicopters, UAVs, and other ordnance.

• Air Force Perspective: The Indian Air Force (IAF) believes land-based fighters like the Jaguar IM and Su-30MKI, equipped with advanced maritime strike capabilities, offer a more cost-effective and secure solution than carriers.

Conclusion

• While the IAC-2 represents a significant advancement in India’s naval capabilities, addressing financial constraints, strategic vulnerabilities, and diversifying investments in maritime and airborne assets are crucial for achieving a robust and balanced defence strategy.