In a momentous declaration, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar divulged that the Indian Navy is poised to embark on a significant venture – the contemplation of commissioning a third Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), subsequent to the induction of INS Vikrant and the meticulous preparations currently underway for its realization.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the unveiling of the state-of-the-art stealth frigate ‘Mahendragiri,’ Admiral Kumar emphasized that the Cochin Shipyard, having demonstrated its prowess with the indigenous construction of INS Vikrant, now possesses the technical acumen required for another IAC project.
The Admiral expounded, “We are diligently working towards the development of a third aircraft carrier, mirroring the triumphant legacy of the INS Vikrant. A wealth of proficiency has been nurtured in the domain of aircraft carrier construction. Therefore, we are actively laying the groundwork for an IAC sequel – a repeat order, so to speak. We are meticulously crafting a comprehensive case to substantiate this endeavor.
India’s current naval fleet comprises two formidable aircraft carriers, namely INS Vikramaditya and the aforementioned INS Vikrant. Notably, the inaugural IAC was ceremoniously inducted into the Indian Navy’s esteemed arsenal in September of the preceding year.
