The Indian Navy has placed an order for a second Vikrant-class aircraft carrier, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Defense on September 21, 2023. The new carrier will be built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), which also built the first Vikrant-class carrier, INS Vikrant.

The Vikrant class is a type of short take-off barrier arrested recovery (STOBAR) aircraft carrier. This means that aircraft can take off from the deck using a short runway, but they must land using an arrestor wire system. The Vikrant class is the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier ever built in India.

The new carrier will be similar in design to INS Vikrant, but it will incorporate some improvements. For example, it will have a more powerful propulsion system and a larger hangar deck. The carrier will also be equipped with the latest in electronic warfare and air defense systems.

The Vikrant class is designed to operate a variety of aircraft, including:

• Mikoyan MiG-29K Fulcrum: A multirole fighter aircraft that can be used for air superiority, air-to-ground attack, and anti-ship warfare.

• Dassault Rafale: A fighter aircraft that the Indian Navy is procuring from France will be used for air superiority, close air support, and reconnaissance.

• Kamov Ka-28 Helix: A multi-role helicopter that can be used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and transport.
• HAL Dhruv: A medium utility helicopter that can be used for search and rescue, transport, and liaison.

The Indian Navy is also developing its own indigenous aircraft carrier-based fighter aircraft, the HAL TEDBF (Navy). The HAL TEDBF is a multi-role fighter aircraft that is expected to be inducted into service in the early 2030s.

The addition of a second Vikrant-class aircraft carrier will significantly boost the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities. The new carrier will give the Indian Navy the ability to project power further from its shores and to respond more effectively to threats in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Why is India Ordering Another Vikrant-Class Aircraft Carrier?

India is ordering another Vikrant-class aircraft carrier for a number of reasons. First, the Vikrant class is a very capable aircraft carrier. It is large enough to carry a significant number of aircraft, and it is equipped with the latest in electronic warfare and air defense systems. Second, the Vikrant class is an indigenous aircraft carrier. This means that India can design and build its own aircraft carriers, which gives it greater strategic independence. Third, India is facing a growing challenge from China in the Indian Ocean. China has been rapidly expanding its military capabilities, and it has been building new bases in the Indian Ocean. India needs to bolster its own military capabilities in order to counter the Chinese threat.

What Impact Will the New Aircraft Carrier Have?

The new aircraft carrier will have a significant impact on the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities. The carrier will give the Indian Navy the ability to project power further from its shores and to respond more effectively to threats in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The carrier will also serve as a deterrent to potential adversaries.

The new aircraft carrier will also have a significant impact on the Indian economy. The construction of the carrier will create jobs and boost the growth of the Indian shipbuilding industry. The carrier will also require a large number of suppliers to provide it with food, fuel, and other supplies. This will create even more jobs and boost the growth of the Indian economy.

Overall, the Indian Navy’s order for a second Vikrant-class aircraft carrier is a positive development for India. The new carrier will significantly boost India’s blue-water capabilities, and it will also have a positive impact on the Indian economy.

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26 Rafael M Fighter Jets for Vikrant Class Aircraft Carrier

The centerpiece of this procurement deal is the purchase of 26 Rafael M fighter jets, specifically tailored for operations on the Indian Navy’s latest Vikrant class aircraft carrier. The Rafael M, manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation, is a state-of-the-art multirole fighter aircraft known for its exceptional capabilities and advanced technologies.

With its long-range strike capabilities, advanced electronic warfare systems, and cutting-edge avionics, the Rafael M is a force to be reckoned with. The aircraft’s ability to carry a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided munitions, makes it an ideal choice for the Indian Navy’s air superiority and strike missions. These fighter jets will provide the necessary air cover and offensive capabilities to protect the Indian Navy’s maritime interests and secure its dominance in the Indian Ocean region.

The procurement of the Rafael M fighter jets not only signifies India’s commitment to modernizing its naval aviation fleet but also strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France. The deal underscores the trust and confidence both nations place in each other’s defense industries, fostering technological cooperation and synergy.

Scorpene-Class Submarines for Underwater Dominance

In addition to the Rafael M fighter jets, India’s naval fleet will also witness the induction of three new Scorpene class submarines. The Scorpene class, designed by the French shipbuilder Naval Group, is renowned for its stealth capabilities, endurance, and state-of-the-art technology.

Equipped with advanced combat systems, including modern torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, the Scorpene class submarines will provide a formidable underwater strike capability to the Indian Navy. These submarines’ advanced stealth features, such as acoustic signature reduction and low magnetic field emissions, ensure enhanced survivability and operational effectiveness in both littoral and open ocean environments.

The acquisition of three new Scorpene class submarines reinforces India’s commitment to maintaining a potent undersea deterrent and securing its maritime interests. These platforms will augment the Indian Navy’s existing fleet of submarines, comprising both conventional and nuclear-powered vessels, and contribute significantly to its maritime defense and power projection capabilities.

Strengthening India-France Defense Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France as the chief guest for the Bastille Day parade further solidifies the deep-rooted defense ties between India and France. The acquisition of the Rafael M fighter jets and Scorpene class submarines highlights the collaborative defense cooperation between the two nations, fostering technology transfer, joint development, and strategic alignment.

The partnership between India and France extends beyond defense procurement, encompassing joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and research and development initiatives. This engagement not only strengthens the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities but also bolsters regional security and stability.

The Indian Navy’s procurement of 26 Rafael M fighter jets for its Vikrant class aircraft carrier and three new Scorpene class submarines represents a significant leap forward in bolstering India’s maritime defense capabilities. This strategic move, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France, symbolizes the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations. The acquisition of these advanced platforms will undoubtedly enhance India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests and contribute to regional security in the Indian Ocean.

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The INS Vikrant is a 40,000-tonne vessel that is 262 meters long and 62 meters wide. It is designed to carry a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. The vessel’s flight deck can accommodate up to 24 aircraft at a time, and it has a top speed of around 28 knots.

The carrier is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, which provide a total power output of 80 MW. It also has four diesel generators that can produce a combined output of 16 MW.

One of the key features of the INS Vikrant is its indigenous design and construction. The vessel was built entirely in India, with domestic companies supplying most of the materials and components. This is a significant achievement for India’s shipbuilding industry, which has historically relied on foreign technology and expertise.

“The INS Vikrant is also equipped with advanced technology and systems.”

The INS Vikrant is also equipped with advanced technology and systems. It has a modern combat management system, which allows the crew to monitor and control all the vessel’s sensors, weapons, and communications equipment. The carrier is also fitted with a variety of anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons, including the Barak-8 missile system.

The vessel’s air wing will consist of a mix of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. It is expected to include the Tejas naval variant fighter jet, which is currently in development, as well as the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, which was recently acquired from the United States.

The INS Vikrant is a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s capabilities, and it will provide the country with a potent tool for power projection and maritime security. The vessel’s size and capabilities will enable it to operate in a variety of roles, from air defense to power projection to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

However, the INS Vikrant’s arrival comes at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. China’s growing naval power and assertiveness have led to concerns about the security of India’s maritime borders. In this context, the INS Vikrant will play an important role in India’s efforts to maintain a credible deterrent and protect its interests in the region.

In conclusion, the INS Vikrant represents a significant achievement for India’s shipbuilding industry and a major milestone in the country’s efforts to build a modern and capable naval force. The vessel’s advanced technology, indigenous design, and potent capabilities will enable it to operate in a variety of roles, and it will play a critical role in India’s efforts to maintain maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

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