PTINEW DELHI: The Navy is clear that India requires a third aircraft carrier as its economy grows towards the $ 5 trillion goal and says that it will move a formal case to the government for an acquisition after gathering technical information.
The acquisition of a third carrier – India has the INS Vikramaditya in service and the INS Vikrant under construction – has been a sore point with the defence ministry citing a lack of funds and the Navy pushing the case to maintain an operational edge in the region.
Speaking on the issue, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh has said that air power at sea is a critical requirement and is required at an immediate basis.
“As the Navy we are absolutely clear of the utility of the carrier. Because air operations are integral to naval operations. Air power at sea is required here and now. The Navy is all about reach and sustenance,” the Navy Chief said at his annual press conference ahead of Navy Day.
Elaborating, the top officer said that a Navy with extended reach is critical for a nation that wants to grow economically. “If you are a nation that is aspiration and you want to become a 5 trillion economy shortly and you want to do well you will have to go outwards and seek the world. The navy does not want to be navy tethered to shore. For that aircraft carriers are absolutely necessary,” Admiral Singh said.
The Navy chief said that a series of request for information have been sent out to gather technical information, following which the force would move a case for acceptance of necessity – the first step in the acquisition process when the defence ministry gives a formal go ahead.
The Navy has also taken up a case for a multi role carrier based fighter jet and has been working with DRDO for an indigenous platform. “We are working with DRDO on the twin engine deck based fighter offered to us. A lot of lessons have been learnt from the LCA program and my hope is that the twin engine jet can enter service by the early 2030s,” he said.
Aircraft carriers have been a priority area for the Navy which has kept the construction of its indigenous INS Vikrant on track despite the Covid crisis. The ship is expected to start sea trials by early next year.
The acquisition of a third carrier – India has the INS Vikramaditya in service and the INS Vikrant under construction – has been a sore point with the defence ministry citing a lack of funds and the Navy pushing the case to maintain an operational edge in the region.
Speaking on the issue, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh has said that air power at sea is a critical requirement and is required at an immediate basis.
“As the Navy we are absolutely clear of the utility of the carrier. Because air operations are integral to naval operations. Air power at sea is required here and now. The Navy is all about reach and sustenance,” the Navy Chief said at his annual press conference ahead of Navy Day.
Elaborating, the top officer said that a Navy with extended reach is critical for a nation that wants to grow economically. “If you are a nation that is aspiration and you want to become a 5 trillion economy shortly and you want to do well you will have to go outwards and seek the world. The navy does not want to be navy tethered to shore. For that aircraft carriers are absolutely necessary,” Admiral Singh said.
The Navy chief said that a series of request for information have been sent out to gather technical information, following which the force would move a case for acceptance of necessity – the first step in the acquisition process when the defence ministry gives a formal go ahead.
The Navy has also taken up a case for a multi role carrier based fighter jet and has been working with DRDO for an indigenous platform. “We are working with DRDO on the twin engine deck based fighter offered to us. A lot of lessons have been learnt from the LCA program and my hope is that the twin engine jet can enter service by the early 2030s,” he said.
Aircraft carriers have been a priority area for the Navy which has kept the construction of its indigenous INS Vikrant on track despite the Covid crisis. The ship is expected to start sea trials by early next year.
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2 Comments on this Story
 | Ashmann12 hours ago Mr. Nair is completely wrong in his assessment. Our existing carrier is toothless with the Mig29's, lack of awacs or bombers, etc. And due to the lack for foresight on the part of the designers, INS Vishal was built for the phantom Tejas, which is a non starter. We have to induct a real AC into the navy if we wish to win any battle at sea. |
| Rajendran Nair18 hours ago It is a foolishness and madness in going for third aircraft carrier.The naval Chief have no vision for the navy.In the modern war aircraft carrier can be easily spotted by satellites and other electronic eye.And we cannot take the aircraft carrier to China sea or far area.This will be a sitting duck for the enemy.The defence chief priority is to recognise and honour war hero like Flying Officer K.P.Muralidharan MIA IAF was convinced bileatedly and repeatedly recommended Maha Vir Chakra posthumously but didn't proceed due Time Bar For Bravery.what an absurd and insult to a brave soldier whose stupendpus war heroism exhibited in the air battle of Peshawar skies.He made three pass over the base and distroyed many vital military installations and also saved his comdr Sqn.Ldr.K.N.Bajpaye's life in the aerial dog fight for a long time.Hope the IAF chief and the CDS Gen Bipin Rawat will relook into this case and honour him.If not I don't know how they will motivate our soldiers morale in peace and war. |