Select Language:
India is considering the construction of a third aircraft carrier, which would be nuclear-powered, as part of a 15-year defense upgrade plan unveiled on Friday. This initiative also marks the first time Indian-made fighter jets are planned to be used on its carriers.
Located close to strategic adversaries China and Pakistan—both of whom it has engaged in deadly conflicts with recently—India is increasingly relying on domestic defense firms to enhance its military capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers like Russia, France, and the United States.
The defense ministry’s 2025 roadmap emphasizes that “as the country prepares to face bigger challenges and responsibilities in the coming decades, it is essential that the armed forces are equipped appropriately.” It further states, “Stronger collaboration between the private and public sectors is the way forward.”
Currently, India operates two aircraft carriers: one of Russian origin and a domestically built vessel. The proposed new carrier is expected to be the country’s first nuclear-powered vessel, offering greater operational range and stealth capabilities.
The plan highlights the need for at least ten nuclear propulsion systems to support the new carrier and other future ships, reflecting India’s ambitions to extend its strategic reach across the Indian Ocean.
Additionally, India intends to induct a number of new-generation twin-engine, deck-based fighters and light combat aircraft being developed by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for naval operations.
In April, India struck a deal with France valued at approximately $8 billion—roughly 630 billion rupees—for the purchase of 26 Rafale-Marine jets, built by Dassault Aviation, to serve on its two carriers: INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. By 2030, India aims to operate a total of 62 Rafale jets, including the 36 already in service with the air force since 2020. Currently, its carriers deploy Soviet-era MiG-29K fighters.
The defense roadmap also includes plans to acquire two electromagnetic aircraft launch systems, modeled after those used by the U.S. Navy, which use electromagnetic forces instead of traditional steam catapults to launch aircraft.
There is a strong focus on drones, which played a significant role in a military clash with Pakistan in May.
For this fiscal year, India has allocated approximately 6.81 trillion rupees—around $77 billion—for defense spending. It ranks as the world’s fourth-largest defense spender, behind the United States, China, and Russia, according to World Bank data.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
