We need three aircraft carriers

WITH INS VIKRANT joining the fleet, most likely on the western sea board, the Indian Navy would again be having two carriers, just as it did when it had the old Vikrant and Viraat together in the eighties.

- ANIRUDHA KARINDALAM

 However, with a growing economy, and increasing aspirations, the stakes in sea power are also growing, leading to many in the maritime circles saying that India would need a third carrier to undertake the tasks expected of its navy. Meanwhile, there is also a growing school of thought that believes that India ought to invest in more submarines, as also shore and island-based facilities. In a candid interview, Vice-Admiral M.A. Hampiholi, flag officer commanding-in-chief of the Navy’s southern command, himself a specialist in submarine warfare, discusses these and other issues about the Navy’s increasing responsibilities. Excerpts:

Q/ India’s long wait for an indigenous aircraft carrier is over. How will Vikrant bolster lndia’s position in the Indian Ocean region and its efforts for a blue-water Navy?

A/ The overall air power that an aircraft carrier brings to the operational area is not limited to the tremendous capabilities that the fighter aircraft can deliver. It also includes the capabilities of the carrier-borne helicopters and the weapon package of the escort and support ships that sail with the carrier as part of the Carrier Battle Group.