Description

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will review the progress made in the construction of the Indian aircraft carrier, also called IAC-1, on June 25, 2021. Upon commissioning, the new aircraft carrier will be renamed INS Vikrant in memory of India's first aircraft carrier. The Indian Navy reportedly expects the self-built IAC-1 to be delivered by 2022. However, it was argued that the actual delivery of the vessel is possible only by 2024.

The Indian Navy's ambitious project, which was due to be completed by 2018, has suffered a number of delays, including the latest due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is an aircraft carrier?

It is a naval airbase warship equipped with a full-size flight deck and aids to carry, arm, deploy and lift aircraft. Typically, an aircraft carrier is the main ship of a fleet as it allows naval forces to project aviation around the world, independent of local bases for aircraft operations.

About IAC-1

• IAC-1, under construction at a cost of Rs. Rs 3,500 crore was launched in August 2013 up from the original 2010 target.
• The aircraft carrier, essential for India's naval defense, is being built by the state-owned Cochin Shipyards Limited (CSL).
• The giant vessel has a length of 260 meters and a displacement of 37,500 tons.

The Indian aircraft carrier, or IAC-1, will be able to launch 30 aircraft, including 20 fighters and 10 helicopters, once it is fully operational. The ship will be compatible with MiG-29K and LCA Navy aircraft. It will also have two runways and a runway with STOBAR (short take off but delayed delivery) equipment - a restrictive hook mechanism that helps fighters land on a shorter runway.

Why are aircraft carriers important to India's naval defense?

India is one of the few countries in the world that can boast of having an aircraft carrier. However, IAC-1 is essential for India's naval capabilities in the years to come, especially against the backdrop of an ever-expanding Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean region.

China, with the world's largest navy with 350 warships, including two aircraft carriers, 50 conventional and 10 nuclear submarines, is also helping Pakistan build up its maritime capabilities, a clear indicator of the threat of collusion on the high seas. The rapid construction of the Chinese aircraft carrier Type-003 is also a matter of concern to India. But the addition of IAC-1 to the Indian Navy will give the country much-needed leverage in its geopolitical struggle for the high seas, as well as ensure freedom of navigation on international platforms.

Why does India need three aircraft carriers and how many do they have now?

The Indian naval defense is in dire need of three operational aircraft carriers - one each on the east and west coasts and one docked for maintenance. However, after the decommissioning of INS Viraat in 2017, the Indian Navy has only one operating aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya.

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