New Delhi: The Indian Navy has put on hold its plans to design and build a large indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC), known as IAC 2, and is looking at a repeat order of the recently commissioned INS Vikrant .
This means that while the Navy is seeking a third aircraft carrier, it is now looking at ordering another 42,800 ton displacement. Vikrant Category The ship contrasted with earlier plans to build a larger carrier.
Addressing the annual press conference on the eve of Navy Day, Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar said that the Navy is still working on what should be the size and capabilities of IAC 2. “As of now, the plans have been put on hold as we have just hired Vikrant,” he said.
Admiral Kumar said that the Vikrant’s construction process has brought a large number of medium enterprises expertise in the shipbuilding process and “we are considering whether we should look at re-ordering IAC 1”.
He said it was still at the discussion stage and the Navy has not yet made up its mind and has not even approached the government for the same.
as informed of Earlier by ThePrint, the government is of the opinion that the Navy should focus on building more submarines instead of a third aircraft carrier.
Former Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) late General Bipin Rawat had openly stated that an aircraft carrier was a costly liability and a sitting duck for modern long-range anti-ship missiles.
The Indian Navy, on the other hand, believes that carriers are important and points out that the Chinese are also investing in carriers. However, other sources said China previously focused on submarines and is now focusing on carriers as part of its global ambitions to project power overseas and challenge the US.
Read also: India’s next step after INS Vikrant should be new carrier, submarine
‘Cabinet note drafted for indigenous naval combatants’
Talking about the ongoing fighter acquisition programme, the Navy said the force was analyzing the reports submitted after “trials” of the Rafale M and F/A 18 Super Hornets.
He said the future of Indian naval aviation was the indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), the prototype of which is expected by 2026-27 and production around 2032.
“We are preparing a draft cabinet note for TEDBF,” he said, adding that existing naval fighter MiG 29Ks were in limited numbers and that additional Russian supplies were also “not forthcoming”.
Predator drones on track, numbers being reconsidered
On the long-pending issue of acquisition of 30 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones from the US, Admiral Kumar said it was on track. He said that it is being considered whether to stick to the number of 30 or go for rationalization.
He also said that the two Sea Guardian drones taken on lease have performed exceptionally well and have benefited the Navy.
The Navy Chief said that he is confident that all the three services will be greatly benefited when India inducts these Hell drones.
The naval force, which currently did not have a single minesweeper, was rethinking the entire process, Admiral Kumar said, adding that instead of building new minesweepers, the navy was looking at the possibility of having a mothership that would fulfill the mission. Could Using autonomous technology. He said that the Navy will become self-reliant by 2047.
(Edited by VS Chandrasekhar)
read this also, 3 Cheers for INS Vikrant and 3 Questions for India’s Leadership on Naval Doctrine