Indian Navy Moves Proposal To Acquire 2nd Indigenous Aircraft Carrier After INS Vikrant

In a huge step towards boosting the country’s indigenous military capabilities, the Indian Navy has reportedly submitted its proposal to the government to build a second aircraft carrier, per ANI.

The assignment is slated to be carried out by the Kochi-based Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

The proposed carrier, Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2), is also part of the country’s commitment to the growing self-reliance in the defence sector under PM Narendra Modi’s “Aatmanirbharta”.

Building the aircraft carrier at Cochin Shipyard Limited will likely generate many indirect and direct employment opportunities once government approval is received.

PM Modi had commissioned the first-ever indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in Kochi in 2022.

Indian Navy has long advocated for 3 new aircraft carriers to ensure that at least one carrier is fully operational on each coast to maintain a continuous presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Besides, the Indian Navy is excited to receive 26 Rafale fighter aircraft dedicated to INS Vikrant and has also been exploring the acquisition of the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-based Fighter (abbreviated the TEDBF) aircraft for deployment across three carriers.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, India’s Navy Chief, confirmed recently that INS Vikrant will be stationed at Visakhapatnam, with plans of securing 100% op status by November this year.

The Indian Navy strives toward self-reliance, aiming for a more domestically sourced security solution by 2047. To encourage such an objective, the Navy supports start-ups and MSMEs and provides incentives for fostering self-sufficiency.

References: ANI, Swarajya, India Today

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Source: Maritime Shipping News