SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy has laid out an ambitious vision for its future, focusing on expanding and modernizing its carrier fleet to ensure maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This strategic initiative, which could eventually see India operate three to four aircraft carriers by 2040, reflects the country’s growing economic power and commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities, especially in the face of increasing maritime threats from neighbouring nations like Pakistan and China.
India’s current naval strategy centres around operating three aircraft carriers by 2040. The first two carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, are already in service, while the third, INS Vishal, is in development, with plans to have it operational in the coming years. These carriers will form the backbone of the Indian Navy’s strategic reach in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
Looking ahead, as India’s economy continues to grow and its defense budget expands, there is a strong possibility that the Indian Navy may look to expand its fleet to four aircraft carriers. This would provide the Navy with greater operational flexibility and enable continuous, uninterrupted air operations from its carriers. A fourth carrier could also ensure that at least one carrier is always operational and deployed in critical areas, such as the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), even if the others are undergoing maintenance or training.
India’s growing carrier fleet will be complemented by an equally impressive increase in its combat aircraft. The Navy’s plan to operate 26 Rafale M fighter jets and 145 TEDBFs (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighters) by 2040 will greatly enhance its offensive and defensive capabilities, making India’s naval airpower a force to be reckoned with.
The Rafale M fighter jets will remain a crucial part of India’s naval airstrike capabilities, offering versatility and advanced technology, including AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and long-range weaponry. These jets will provide a formidable air defence umbrella for the Navy’s carriers. The TEDBF will be the next-generation fighter jet, designed specifically for India’s carrier operations. A 5 Minus Generation aircraft, the TEDBF will integrate advanced stealth and AI-assisted operational capabilities. The TEDBF’s low maintenance cost and operational flexibility will make it a valuable asset in India’s carrier-based operations.
Together, these aircraft will amount to 171 aircraft by 2040, representing about 62% of the combat fleet of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which currently operates around 450 combat jets. This significant airpower concentration aboard Indian aircraft carriers will provide the Indian Navy with a critical edge in any potential conflict, particularly in scenarios involving Pakistan.
India’s naval airpower will also act as a force multiplier for the Indian Air Force (IAF). In times of conflict, the Indian Navy’s carrier-based aircraft will work in tandem with IAF’s air superiority platforms, providing additional coverage, firepower, and strategic reach. The synergy between the two services will enhance India’s total air combat capability, making the entire country’s airpower a formidable deterrent to adversaries like Pakistan.
India’s aircraft carriers will thus not only serve to defend the nation’s interests but will also provide the IAF with additional operational capacity in joint operations. The combined power of the IAF and the Indian Navy’s air arm will be a critical asset for any possible conflict scenario, ensuring total air dominance in India’s vicinity.
India’s growing carrier fleet also stands as a counter to the increasingly assertive naval expansion of China. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is working on deploying multiple aircraft carriers, with plans for the J-35 carrier-based jet and the J-15, based on the Su-33, providing the backbone of Chinese carrier operations. PLAN’s ambition is to have a permanent aircraft carrier presence in the Indian Ocean, aiming to secure China’s vital trade routes and supply chains.
As India expands its fleet, the rivalry in the Indian Ocean will intensify. India’s aircraft carriers will offer not just a defence against China’s naval ambitions but will help keep China in check by asserting India’s dominance in the region. With a growing fleet of advanced carrier-based jets and highly capable aircraft carriers, India will be positioned to counter the growing presence of Chinese aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean, ensuring its strategic interests are well protected.
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