The significance of carrier aviation
Context:
India’s naval prowess took center stage on March 5 when both aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, demonstrated “twin carrier operations,” showcasing the country’s formidable capabilities in maritime defense.
- Of particular significance was the indigenous construction and operationalization of INS Vikrant, commissioned in September 2022, which marked a historic milestone in India’s naval capabilities.
- As India asserts its maritime dominance, the role of aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant becomes increasingly pivotal in ensuring security and projecting power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Relevance:
GS-03 (Security)
Dimensions of the Article:
- About INS Vikrant
- Capabilities of INS Vikrant
- Significance of INS Vikrant
About INS Vikrant:
- INS Vikrant represents a remarkable achievement in indigenous shipbuilding and technological prowess.
- The construction of INS Vikrant began in 1999, with crucial decisions made in 2005-2006 regarding the development of warship-grade steel, ensuring India’s self-reliant naval construction.
- The adoption of DMR-249 steel, developed through collaboration between various entities including the Steel Authority of India, DRDO, and the Indian Navy, marked a significant milestone in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
- The construction process introduced innovative technologies such as 3-D modeling, further enhancing India’s shipbuilding expertise.
Capabilities of INS Vikrant:
- INS Vikrant is a testament to India’s engineering prowess which has impressive specifications and operational capabilities.
- With a total area exceeding 12,450 m2, equivalent to two and a half hockey fields, the carrier is powered by four General Electric LM2500 engines, enabling a maximum speed of 28 Knots and an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles.
- The ship, built at a cost of approximately ₹20,000 crore with 76% indigenous content, accommodates a crew of around 1,600 and features state-of-the-art facilities, including two galleys capable of preparing thousands of meals daily.
- Its operational capabilities extend to hosting an air wing comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, and indigenous aircraft, supported by advanced launch and recovery systems.
Significance of INS Vikrant:
- INS Vikrant’s entry into service represents a significant milestone in India’s quest for maritime dominance and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
- As the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant symbolizes India’s capability to design, build, and operate complex naval platforms, bolstering the country’s strategic autonomy and naval power projection capabilities.
- Moreover, INS Vikrant’s operational readiness enhances India’s maritime security posture, enabling it to effectively safeguard its maritime interests and respond to emerging threats in the region.
Way Forward:
- Looking ahead, India’s naval ambitions extend beyond INS Vikrant, with plans for the construction of a second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II) already underway.
- The proposed IAC-II, incorporating lessons learned from INS Vikrant’s construction, will further enhance India’s naval capabilities and ensure continuity in its aircraft carrier program.
- However, delays in decision-making and the absence of a clear roadmap for future carrier acquisitions risk undermining India’s long-term naval strategy. As global interest in aircraft carriers surges, fueled by technological advancements and evolving security dynamics, India must prioritize the timely development and commissioning of future carriers to maintain its strategic edge in the maritime domain.
