India’s Aircraft Carrier List, Name, History, Advantages

India’s aircraft carriers are crucial assets that bolster the country’s maritime capabilities and strategic influence. These floating airbases play a pivotal role in safeguarding national interests, ensuring regional stability, and projecting power on the high seas. Know all about India’s aircraft carrier in this article.

India’s Aircraft Carrier

India currently boasts two aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. The latter, commissioned in September 2022, was acquired on July 28, 2022, while INS Vikramaditya was ordered on January 20, 2004, and launched on December 4, 2008, following extensive refurbishment valued at $2.35 billion. Despite its shorter flight deck (262m vs. 284m), INS Vikrant is 2 meters wider (62m vs. 60m) and features a more streamlined island structure than INS Vikramaditya. India’s naval ambitions include a third carrier resembling INS Vikrant and a second indigenous carrier, reinforcing its maritime capabilities and global presence.

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History of India’s Aircraft Carrier

Right from its Independence, India was well aware of the need for aircraft carriers to establish itself as a blue water navy. Since the sixties, the Indian Navy has had the unique distinction of operating all variants of aircraft launch and recovery systems.

INS Vikrant (R11) – India’s First Aircraft Carrier

INS Vikrant, originally named Hercules, was purchased from Britain in 1957 and commissioned in 1961. It was India’s first aircraft carrier and played a crucial role in the 1971 war, leading to the birth of Bangladesh. In 1984, it transformed into a Vertical/Short Take-Off and Land (V/STOL) carrier, housing the modern Sea Harrier aircraft. After 36 years of service, it was decommissioned in 1997.

INS Viraat – Over 30 Years of Service

Originally commissioned as HMS Hermes in 1959, INS Viraat served in the British Royal Navy before being acquired by India in 1986. It played a significant role in Operation Jupiter in Sri Lanka, the 1999 Kargil War, and numerous joint exercises. INS Viraat was decommissioned in 2017, having logged over 5.8 lakh nautical miles during its service, making it a pivotal asset in India’s maritime history.

India’s Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya

INS Vikramaditya, formerly Russia’s Admiral Gorshkov, was integrated into the Indian Navy on November 16, 2013, becoming India’s largest vessel. This state-of-the-art aircraft carrier boasts impressive specifications, including a length of over 285 meters, a width of 60 meters, and 23 decks towering 60 meters high. It accommodates a “Floating City” of over 1,600 personnel and carries 30 aircraft, ranging from MiG 29K fighters to Kamov helicopters. The MiG 29K serves as the primary offensive platform, providing a substantial boost to India’s maritime strike capabilities. Advanced launch and recovery systems, such as the LUNA and DAPS, ensure smooth aircraft operations.

India’s Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant

INS Vikrant (IAC-1) represents a remarkable achievement in India’s naval capabilities. This 262-meter-long aircraft carrier, with a displacement of nearly 45,000 tonnes, surpasses its predecessor in size and sophistication. Powered by four gas turbines generating 88 MW, it boasts a top speed of 28 knots. The project, costing approximately Rs. 20,000 crores, progressed in three phases between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), with an impressive 76% indigenous content.

Vikrant features advanced automation for machinery, navigation, and survivability, accommodating up to 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighters, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role choppers, and indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy). Utilizing the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Landing) mode, it utilizes a ski-jump for aircraft launch and arrester wires for recovery, marking a self-reliant naval rebirth.

India’s Aircraft Carrier INS Vishal

INS Vishal, India’s designed aircraft carrier, is set to be the nation’s second carrier, following INS Vikrant. It’s a substantial departure from its predecessor, featuring a 65,000-tonne displacement and a CATOBAR (Catapult-Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system. This innovation allows for the operation of larger, mission-focused fixed-wing aircraft, including Airborne Early Warning (AEW) types.

Powered by four General Electric LM2500+ gas turbine engines, INS Vishal boasts a top speed of 28 knots and a 7,500 nautical mile range. Armed with advanced weaponry and radar systems, it’s anticipated to carry a mix of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, enhancing India’s naval capabilities.

Significance of India’s Aircraft Carrier

India’s aircraft carriers play a vital role in the country’s defense and strategic posture. Their significance lies in several key areas:

• Power Projection: Aircraft carriers allow India to project military power and influence far beyond its shores. They serve as a mobile and formidable platform for air operations, enabling India to respond to regional and global security challenges.
• Deterrence: The presence of aircraft carriers acts as a significant deterrent to potential adversaries. It enhances India’s defense capabilities and discourages aggression, contributing to regional stability.
• Maritime Security: India’s vast coastline and maritime interests demand a strong naval presence. Aircraft carriers provide the mobility and capability needed to secure vital sea lanes, protect maritime assets, and ensure maritime security.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Aircraft carriers are versatile and agile assets that can rapidly respond to natural disasters, providing humanitarian aid, relief, and medical support in times of crisis.
• Supporting Diplomacy: These carriers can be deployed for diplomatic purposes, showcasing India’s commitment to regional security and cooperation. They strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties with other nations.
• Economic Interests: India relies heavily on seaborne trade and energy resources transported by sea. Aircraft carriers help protect these economic interests by ensuring the safety and security of maritime trade routes.
• Regional Leadership: As one of the few nations in the Indian Ocean region with operational aircraft carriers, India’s naval capabilities enhance its role as a regional leader, contributing to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.
• National Pride: Aircraft carriers are symbols of a nation’s technological prowess, self-reliance, and military strength. They boost national pride and confidence in India’s defense capabilities.
• Response to Emerging Threats: In an era of evolving security challenges, including piracy, terrorism, and hybrid threats, aircraft carriers provide a flexible and rapid response capability to protect national interests.
• Strategic Asymmetry: Aircraft carriers give India a strategic edge by providing the ability to rapidly deploy air power and conduct sustained naval operations, giving it an asymmetric advantage in the region.

India’s Aircraft Carrier UPSC

India’s aircraft carriers, including INS Vikramaditya, INS Vikrant, and the upcoming INS Vishal, are crucial assets that significantly enhance the nation’s maritime capabilities and global influence. These floating airbases serve as powerful tools for power projection, deterrence, maritime security, and disaster relief. They also support diplomatic efforts, safeguard economic interests, and contribute to regional leadership. As symbols of India’s technological prowess and military strength, these carriers boost national pride. In an ever-evolving security landscape, they provide a rapid response to emerging threats and strategic advantages that strengthen India’s position in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

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