The Indian Navy is optimistic about a positive response from the government of India on its demand for a third aircraft carrier. The warship will be customized to fit both fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), people aware of the development said.
Presently, India boosts only one aircraft carrier, that is, INS Vikramaditya. INS Vikramaditya has been imported from Russia. India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is going through sea trials and is expected to be fully operational by 2022.
The people aware of this development said that discussions on several aspects of the third aircraft carrier were on and that its overall displacement may be brought down from the proposed 65,000 tons to bring down cost and time for its construction.
At a press conference last year, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh emphasized that a third aircraft carrier is “absolutely necessary” for India to further expand its maritime capabilities.
