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Simply Put: Why aircraft carriers are needed
News:
Navy Chief Admiral has advocated for a 2nd indigenous aircraft carrier.
Important facts:
What are aircraft carriers?
Aircraft carriers are warships that act as airbases for carrier-based aircraft.
Aircraft carriers in India
- India currently has only one aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya which is in service since 2013.
- INS Vikrant: In service from 1961 to 1997. Used as a museum until 2012, and scrapped in 2014-15
- INS Viraat: In service from 1987 to 2016. Decommissioned in 2017
Why does India need aircraft carriers?
- An aircraft carrier is considered a key component for a country to project military force away from its shores and provide deterrence
- Defensive tasks such as engaging in anti-submarine warfare and providing air defence for the fleet are also central to the functions of an aircraft carrier
- Further, the Indian Navy has reached a minimum essential requirement of two operational aircraft carriers to carry out its mandated tasks to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
