Comparing India and China’s Twin Carrier Battle Group Formations

SOURCE: AFI

The dual carrier fleet exercises recently conducted by both the Indian Navy and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) have stirred interest and comparisons between the two regional powers. For the first time, each country showcased their respective twin carrier strike group (CSG) capabilities, underlining their ambitions to establish strategic maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific. The Indian Navy’s CSG formation was led by INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, while the PLAN’s formation featured the Shandong and Liaoning aircraft carriers.

Here’s a closer look at the carrier battle group (CBG) formations, focusing on their respective escorts, airpower, and strategic implications.

Indian Navy’s Dual CBG Formation

Carriers and Escorts: The Indian Navy’s CBG formation was led by INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, its two operational aircraft carriers. The group’s escort warships included a mix of destroyers, frigates, and replenishment ships:

• INS Kolkata (Kolkata-class destroyer)
• INS Visakhapatnam (Visakhapatnam-class destroyer)
• INS Chennai (Kolkata-class destroyer)
• INS Talwar (Talwar-class frigate)
• INS Deepak (fleet tanker)
• INS Morniugao (Visakhapatnam-class destroyer)

These assets provide layered anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine defense, creating a protective shield around the carriers.

Aircraft: The primary air component includes MiG-29K fighter jets, which operate off both Indian carriers. The MiG-29Ks are designed for multi-role operations, including air superiority and anti-surface warfare. The INS Vikrant, equipped with indigenous technologies, and the Vikramaditya, with its modified STOBAR (Short Takeoff but Arrested Recovery) system, jointly bolster India’s operational reach and versatility.

PLA Navy’s Dual CBG Formation

Carriers and Escorts: The PLAN’s twin carrier formation consisted of the Shandong and Liaoning carriers, supported by a strong contingent of escorts:

• Five Type 052D destroyers, known for their versatile combat capabilities and advanced radar systems
• Chagan Lake and Hulun Lake (supply and support ships)
• Three Type 055 destroyers, large and heavily armed with sophisticated missile systems
• One Type 054A frigate, contributing additional anti-submarine capabilities

Aircraft: The PLAN carriers operated J-15 and J-15B fighter jets, which are based on the Russian Su-33 design. Though these fighters are equipped for a variety of combat roles, they are notably heavier and less efficient in carrier operations compared to lighter carrier-based jets. However, with China’s recent advances in radar and missile technology, the J-15B models are evolving to be more competitive in modern aerial engagements.

Comparative Analysis: Indian Navy vs. PLAN Twin CBGs

1. Escort Balance:

• Indian Navy: Focuses on multi-role surface combatants capable of anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface warfare, with the Deepak fleet tanker supporting prolonged operations.
• PLAN: Relies heavily on advanced destroyers like the Type 052D and Type 055, providing superior anti-air capabilities with a wide array of long-range surface-to-air missiles. The PLAN’s mix leans heavily towards surface and air warfare superiority with robust anti-air defense layers.

2. Airpower and Fighters:

• Indian Navy’s MiG-29Ks are agile and capable multi-role fighters but are considered less advanced in range and payload compared to some emerging carrier-based fighters.
• PLAN’s J-15s have a larger footprint and combat radius but also face challenges with weight and operational efficiency on carriers. The J-15B’s upgraded capabilities with improved electronics and radars are aimed at addressing these limitations.

3. Carrier Capabilities:

Shandong and Liaoning: The PLAN carriers, based on STOBAR systems as well, are essentially modernized Soviet-era designs with enhancements. Shandong, China’s first domestically produced carrier, marks a step toward their goal of a blue-water navy, although it is yet to reach the reliability and versatility of U.S. or other Western carriers.

INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya: Designed for diverse missions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian carriers use STOBAR configurations, which limit their launch capability compared to catapult-launched systems but offer reliable multi-role deployment. INS Vikrant’s indigenous design represents India’s growing self-reliance in naval engineering.

India’s carrier battle group deployment reflects its commitment to securing maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region, aiming to protect shipping lanes and deter adversaries with a credible naval force. Meanwhile, China’s emphasis on dual carrier deployments indicates its intention to project power in the South and East China Seas and counter the U.S. and allied navies. Both nations’ exercises signal their strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific and underscore the growing complexity of regional security dynamics.