It came as a rude disappointment for the Indian Navy that its proposal for building the second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier was not accorded approval. The Indian Navy was pinning its hopes on the approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh in its meeting on November 30, 2023. If approved, the DAC would have kickstarted realizing the Indian Navy's long-cherished dream of a third-operational aircraft carrier.
The Indian Navy proposed constructing the second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2) at the Cochin Shipyard Limited at Kochi in Kerala state in southern India, at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore. The proposal was simple. It was only a "repeat order" for the already commissioned INS Vikrant, which CSL built over 12 years. However, approval for this proposal is still being determined.
The Indian Navy had to dilute its requirement, which was finalized by the end of 2016. The Indian Navy initially sought a nuclear-powered Indigenous Aircraft Carrier in only the second iteration of a domestic manufacturer of such a mammoth warship. However, as the government highlighted funds crunch and budgetary constraints, the Indian Navy agreed to a repeat of the smaller electric-propulsion variant and a repeat order of INS Vikrant. Tentatively, the second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is christened as Vishal.
It is now expected that the Acceptance of the Necessity of the second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, which, once built, will become the third operational aircraft carrier in the Indian Navy fleet, would happen at the earliest, maybe in the next two or three Defence Acquisition Council meetings, ahead of the nation heading to a general election season from February to May 2024.
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Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Geopolitics.
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
