The Indian Navy's ambition of becoming a three-aircraft carrier force is facing a reality check, and as such, a transition seems unlikely in the near future. According to sources, the next aircraft carrier, when it becomes available, is expected to replace one of the Navy's current carriers rather than add a third to the fleet.

Sources familiar with the situation said, “By the time the next aircraft carrier, Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2, is ready for deployment, INS Vikramaditya would be on the verge of completing its operational life.”

According to a report published earlier by this newspaper, the operational necessity of the Indian Navy required the planning of two Indigenous Aircraft Carriers (IAC-2).

The Indian Navy officially confirmed the plans for the IAC-2, which will follow the same design principles as the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1), commissioned as INS Vikrant. The documentation and related paperwork for the project were completed in December 2022.

However, along with Aero India 2023, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said, “Initially, we will go for the repeat order with improved capabilities. In the meantime, we will go for a study of larger carriers. By the time a third aircraft carrier is commissioned, the life-span of INS Vikramaditya may end.”

The decision to repeat the order for IAC-1 is driven by several considerations, including construction time, cost, and the progress of developing indigenous aviation assets. The Navy notes that building a new, cutting-edge carrier would require significant upgrades to the shipbuilding facility.