Navy plans for another Vikrant-size carrier before Vikramaditya retires

Source: The post is based on the article “Navy plans for another Vikrant-size carrier before Vikramaditya retires” published in The Hindu on 20th February 2023.

What is the News?

Indian Navy plans for another INS Vikrant-size Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) with some modifications.

What are the Indian Navy’s plans related to Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)?

The Indian Navy has planned for another INS Vikrant-size Indigenous Aircraft Carrier(IAC).

The upcoming IAC-2 would be bigger than the present IAC-1.INS Vikrant’s size is around 44,000 tonnes and the IAC-2 planned was around 65,000 tonnes. 

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) will be given the order for IAC-2 as it has acquired considerable expertise in building an aircraft carrier with INS Vikrant. It has said that it can deliver another vessel in 8 years from date of order.

Note: The Indian Navy requires three aircraft carriers because when the ship undergoes maintenance, it takes time given its size and the possible delays.

What is INS Vikrant?

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INS Vikrant was commissioned in September 2022 and is currently undergoing aviation trials. It is expected to be operationally ready by the end of 2023.