Why does India need a 3^rd Aircraft Carrier? Navy Chief, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, has underlined the importance of enhancing India’s naval capabilities to address growing regional threats. Focusing On the strategic necessity, the Indian Navy has proposed for a 3rd aircraft carrier, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-II (IAC-II).

This proposal aligns strongly with India’s maritime priorities and its need to counter the ever-growing naval expansion of China, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which India cannot afford to lose control of.

Admiral Tripathi advocated that the IAC-II, once approved, would significantly strengthen Indian Navy’s operational strategies. The 3^rd Aircraft carrier is expected to integrate advanced technologies, including the capability to operate both manned aircrafts and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). This will allow the Indian Navy to conduct a wider range of missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to electronic warfare and precision strikes.

“Aircraft Carrier has clearly emerged as a necessity for the nation, as was also highlighted by the Standing Committee on Defense (SCOD) in its 36^th Report of the 17^th Lok Sabha. Aircraft Carriers are central to the Indian Navy’s concept of operations”.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathy, Indian Navy Chief

China’s naval advancements, marked by the rapid addition of aircraft carriers and a robust fleet, have raised concerns among India’s strategic planners. The deployment of Chinese naval assets in the IOR and their growing capabilities to challenge India’s maritime sovereignty underline the urgency of this project. The proposed IAC-II will add power to the existing carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, providing India with the capability to continue operations, even when one of the aircraft carriers undergoing periodical maintenance days. It will enable Indian Navy with uninterrupted power projection and the ability to sustain long-term operations in distant waters.

Why India Needs a 3rd Aircraft Carrier

India’s geopolitical position is unique. It makes the Indian Ocean an extremely important region for both security and economic interests. With 95% of its trade passing through these waters, ensuring naval dominance is profound. A 3rd aircraft carrier would enable the Indian Navy to maintain a continuous presence in Indian Ocean Region, ensuring deterrence and rapid response to threats.

Moreover, a 3-Carrier fleet provides operational flexibility, allowing one carrier to be deployed, another under maintenance, and a third on standby for immediate deployment. This capability is vital for addressing the increasing challenges posed by China’s growing presence and its aggressive postures in the Indo-Pacific.

The acquisition of a 3rd aircraft carrier is not merely an enhancement but a strategic imperative to safeguard India’s maritime interests and assert its role as a dominant regional power.

What is Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-II (IAC-II)?

The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-II (IAC-II) is a proposed 3^rd aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy, following the recently commissioned INS Vikrant (IAC-I). The IAC-II is currently in the advanced stages of planning and is expected to incorporate significant design changes to support operations involving Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These changes include adjustments to the flight deck for drone launches and recoveries and possibly integrating systems for advanced UAV control.

Features of IAC-II:

• Will have a displacement of around 45,000-65000 tons.
• It will be equipped with STOBAR (short take-off but arrested recovery or short take-off, barrier-arrested recovery) technology.
• Advanced UAV Control
• Will accommodate Fighter Jets like Rafale, MIG-29Ks and in future the TED BF Fighter Jets
• Advanced Radar & Sensor Systems
• Bue-Water Capability- It will project power in the Indo-pacific

Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-II (IAC-II) project is currently waiting for the Final Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Indian government. The AoN is a crucial step in the defense procurement process in India, as it officially approves the necessity and requirement for a specific defense project.

The IAC-II is seen to be a cornerstone of India’s naval modernization program. Its development will align with India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. However, the final features will depend on cost, technology availability, and strategic needs.