Indian Navy Proposes 2nd Aircraft Carrier To Bolster Self-Reliance In Defence

Defense News ,India :-  The Indian Navy is making a bold move to strengthen its defense capabilities by proposing the construction of its second aircraft carrier. This plan, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Atmanirbharta" (self-reliance) campaign, is a major step towards making India more self-sufficient in defense. The Cochin Shipyard Limited will be in charge of building the new carrier, creating job opportunities in Kerala.

The goal is to have three aircraft carriers, ensuring a presence on both the east and west coasts, with one undergoing maintenance at all times. This strategy aligns the Indian Navy with other naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, the Indian Navy plans to add 26 new Rafale fighter aircraft to the existing INS Vikrant. They have assured the government that they will achieve self-reliance by 2047.

The first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, commissioned in September 2022, showcased the Cochin Shipyard Limited's expertise. Admiral R. Hari Kumar recently announced that INS Vikrant will be stationed in Visakhapatnam, with plans to make it fully operational by November 2023. Key milestones, such as night-time landings of Indian Navy Mig-29K fighter jets, indicate significant progress towards the warship's operational readiness by the end of the year.