SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its pursuit of a second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II), despite speculation that its ambitions have been overshadowed by the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) prioritization of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). Reports from idrw.org, citing naval sources, confirm that efforts are underway to secure final approval from the MoD for the construction of IAC-II, a near-identical successor to the recently commissioned INS Vikrant (IAC-I). Far from abandoning its carrier plans, the Navy is pushing to expedite the project, unwilling to delay orders until 2030 as initially projected.
The IAC-II, envisioned as a 45,000-tonne conventionally powered flattop, is a critical component of the Navy’s long-term goal to operate a three-carrier fleet—ensuring two are operational at any given time while one undergoes maintenance. However, recent developments, including the MoD’s clearance in January 2025 for constructing two SSNs under a ?40,000 crore program, sparked media speculation that the Navy had been directed to shift focus away from aircraft carriers. Sources close to the Navy have debunked these claims, asserting that the service remains committed to both programs, viewing them as complementary rather than mutually exclusive.
The IAC-II, envisioned as a 45,000-tonne conventionally powered flattop, is a critical component of the Navy’s long-term goal to operate a three-carrier fleet—ensuring two are operational at any given time while one undergoes maintenance. However, recent developments, including the MoD’s clearance in January 2025 for constructing two SSNs under a ?40,000 crore program, sparked media speculation that the Navy had been directed to shift focus away from aircraft carriers. Sources close to the Navy have debunked these claims, asserting that the service remains committed to both programs, viewing them as complementary rather than mutually exclusive.
The Navy’s insistence on IAC-II stems from its strategic need to maintain a robust carrier presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where India faces growing maritime challenges from China and Pakistan. INS Vikrant, commissioned in September 2022, marked a milestone as India’s first indigenously built carrier, equipped to operate MiG-29K fighters and helicopters. IAC-II, designed to mirror Vikrant’s configuration with minor enhancements, would reinforce this capability, ensuring operational continuity as the aging INS Vikramaditya—a refurbished Russian carrier—nears the end of its service life by the mid-2030s.
Unlike Vikrant’s lengthy 13-year construction timeline, marred by funding delays and technical hurdles, the Navy aims to streamline IAC-II’s development. Naval planners propose building the carrier at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), leveraging the expertise and infrastructure honed during Vikrant’s construction. With an estimated cost of ?50,000 crore, the project could commence within two years of MoD approval, potentially delivering IAC-II by 2032—well ahead of the previously floated 2035-2040 timeline.
A key modification proposed for IAC-II is its adaptation for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, reflecting the Navy’s forward-looking approach to emerging technologies. While retaining the Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system and ski-jump used on Vikrant, the carrier’s deck and hangar could be optimized to support naval drones. This aligns with global trends, as navies like the U.S. and China integrate UAVs into carrier operations for surveillance, strike, and electronic warfare roles. The Navy’s TEDBF program, which includes a twin-engine carrier-capable fighter, could also benefit from a second platform tailored for such advancements.
“The Navy sees IAC-II as a bridge to future warfare, not just a repeat of Vikrant,” a source told idrw.org. “UAV compatibility will extend its relevance beyond manned aircraft, ensuring flexibility in a rapidly evolving battlespace.”
The MoD’s backing of the SSN program—aimed at building six nuclear attack submarines by 2040—has fueled perceptions of a resource crunch favoring submarines over carriers. SSNs, with their stealth and endurance, are vital for countering China’s growing submarine presence in the IOR and securing India’s undersea deterrence. The recent approval of two SSNs, to be constructed at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam with 90% indigenous content, reflects this priority.
However, naval officials argue that the SSN and IAC-II programs serve distinct purposes, addressing different threats. “Submarines provide subsurface dominance, while carriers project power and control the surface and air,” a senior officer explained. “Both are essential for a blue-water navy.” The Navy’s Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP) envisions a balanced fleet, including three carriers and 18 SSNs by 2047, underscoring its dual-track approach.
Budgetary constraints remain a hurdle. The Navy’s ?2.5 lakh crore capital allocation over the next decade must accommodate 62 warships, submarines, and now the SSN program, leaving little room for delays or trade-offs. Yet, the Navy contends that staggering the timelines—IAC-II in the near term and SSNs phased through 2040—can mitigate financial strain while meeting operational needs.
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