Defence Board discusses plan for second Vikrant-like carrier

Source: The post is based on the article “Defence Board discusses plan for second Vikrant-like carrier”  published in The Hindu on 25th September 2023

What is the News?

The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) recently discussed the Navy’s proposal for a second Vikrant-like aircraft carrier, but the proposal has not yet received clearance. 

The final approval will be sought from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by the Defence Minister.

Which are the aircraft carriers currently operated by the Indian Navy?

INS Vikrant (IAC-1): 

INS Vikrant is India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC).It was commissioned in September 2022.

It is a 262-meter-long carrier.It has a full displacement of close to 45,000 tonnes which is much larger and advanced than her predecessor. 

The ship is powered by four Gas Turbines totaling 88 MW power and has a maximum speed of 28 Knots.It has an overall indigenous content of 76%.

The ship is capable of operating an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft.

The ship is also using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as STOBAR (Short Take- Off but Arrested Landing).

It is also equipped with a ski- jump for launching aircraft, and a set of ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery onboard.

INS Vikramaditya- Indian Navy’s Biggest Ship:

Russia’s refurbished Admiral Gorshkov was commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya at Severodvinsk, Russia in 2013. 

It is a state-of-the-art ship, capable of operating a versatile range of high-performance aircrafts, such as the MiG 29K fighters, KM 31 AEW helicopters, multi-role Seakings and utility Chetaks. 

The ship is over 285 meters long and 60 meters wide, making it the biggest ship in the Indian Navy.

With over 1,600 personnel on board, INS Vikramaditya is literally a ‘Floating City’.

The ship is capable of operations up to a range of over 7,000 nautical miles or 13000 kms. The ship also has the ability to carry over 30 aircrafts.