Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Internal security
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– INS Vikrant
– Maritime Security
– Naval Power
Context
INS Vikrant signifies a significant milestone in India’s war-shipbuilding, boasting advanced features and capabilities
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 29th April 2024
The significance of carrier aviation
The recent demonstration of “twin carrier operations” by the Indian Navy’s INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, along with the successful integration of INS Vikrant into the operational cycle, underscores a significant milestone in India’s naval capabilities. The indigenous construction and operationalization of INS Vikrant, coupled with its engineering marvel, highlight the nation’s strides in naval technology and infrastructure. This article delves into the significance of INS Vikrant, its composition, capabilities, and the future trajectory of India’s aircraft carrier program.
INS Vikrant
- Twin Carrier Operations:
- INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant demonstrated “twin carrier operations” on March 5, showcasing India’s naval aviation capability.
- This highlighted the operational readiness of both carriers and their ability to coordinate complex maneuvers.
- The successful execution of twin carrier operations underscores India’s growing maritime prowess on the global stage.
- Indigenous Design and Construction:
- INS Vikrant, commissioned in September 2022, represents India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, symbolizing a significant achievement in indigenous defense manufacturing.
- Its construction signifies India’s technological advancement and self-reliance in designing and building complex naval assets.
- The indigenous design and construction of INS Vikrant enhance India’s strategic autonomy and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers for critical defense equipment.
- Development of DMR-249 Steel:
- The development of DMR-249 steel for INS Vikrant marked a strategic decision to enhance indigenous defense production capabilities.
- Collaborative efforts between the Steel Authority of India, DRDO, and the Indian Navy resulted in the successful production of this high-grade steel.
- The use of DMR-249 steel in INS Vikrant’s construction demonstrates India’s ability to innovate and produce advanced materials for its defense needs.
Significance for India’s Maritime Strategy
- Access to Littoral Spaces:
- Aircraft carriers provide unparalleled access to littoral spaces, essential for both peacekeeping and wartime operations.
- Their presence ensures effective sea command and influences the strategic calculus of enemy commanders.
- Carriers have the unique ability to alter the psychological balance in littoral regions, enhancing India’s maritime reach and influence.
- Power Projection and Strategic Framework:
- Aircraft carriers are vital for power projection, a key aspect of peacetime maritime strategy.
- They contribute to India’s naval capabilities by projecting power and influence abroad, shaping future outcomes in the region.
- The commissioning of INS Vikrant strengthens India’s maritime capability, asserting its pre-eminence in the Indian Ocean.
- Addressing Regional Challenges:
- India must strengthen its maritime power to counter regional challenges, including China’s naval expansion and proxy activities.
- Investments in the Indian Navy are essential to deter adversaries and assert India’s presence in near-seas.
- Projects like Chabahar (Iran) and Agalega (Mauritius) need acceleration to extend India’s reach to strategic locations like Madagascar, Comoros, and Socotra.
Steps to Strengthen Maritime Power
- Versatile Use of Aircraft Carriers:
- India’s aircraft carriers should serve as versatile assets, capable of both power projection and soft power diplomacy.
- They can be instrumental in shaping regional dynamics and enhancing India’s influence on the global stage.
- Enhanced Investments and Deterrence:
- Increased investments in the Indian Navy are necessary to counter the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India must focus on deterring adversaries while bolstering its maritime capabilities through strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Expansion of Naval Reach:
- Projects like Chabahar and Agalega should be expedited to extend India’s naval reach and establish a stronger presence in key strategic locations.
- Selective investments in combat support infrastructure, including logistics, command and control, and sensor capabilities, are crucial for enhancing operational effectiveness and strategic deterrence.
Conclusion
The emergence of INS Vikrant symbolizes India’s prowess in naval engineering and technology, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime capabilities. As the Navy gears up for future challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the planned construction of a second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II) reflects India’s commitment to bolstering its naval presence and preparedness. While the global landscape witnesses a resurgence in carrier operations, India’s focus on maintaining a robust naval fleet underscores its strategic vision and commitment to maritime security.
Related Topics
S-400 missile system
- S-400 Triumf (meaning “Triumph” in Russian).
- Long-range surface-to-air missile system (SAM) developed by Russia.
- Upgrade to the earlier S-300 family of missiles.
- Designed to destroy aircraft (including stealth aircraft), cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
- Range: Up to 400 kilometers (250 miles).
- Engagement altitude: Up to 27 kilometers (17 miles).
- Highly mobile system with quick deployment and withdrawal capabilities.
Related PYQ
What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. [UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2022]
Practice Question
Discuss the significance of INS Vikrant in India’s naval strategy and its impact on the nation’s maritime capabilities. [150 words]
How to approach this question?
Introduction:
- Begin by briefly explaining what INS Vikrant is and its role in the Indian Navy.
Body:
- Significance in India’s Naval Strategy:
- Discuss how INS Vikrant, as India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, signifies a major boost to India’s naval capabilities.
- Explain how it enhances India’s power projection at sea and its role in safeguarding maritime interests.
- Impact on India’s Maritime Capabilities:
- Discuss how INS Vikrant strengthens India’s maritime capabilities, particularly in terms of air defense and offensive operations at sea.
- Talk about its role in enhancing India’s blue-water navy status and its impact on the balance of power in the Indian Ocean Region.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points discussed in the body of the essay.
- Conclude by emphasizing the strategic importance of INS Vikrant in bolstering India’s maritime capabilities and its role in shaping India’s naval strategy.
Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!