Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Internal security
Context
The Indian Navy is progressing towards the construction of a third aircraft carrier, Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2), with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 11th June 2024
Why India needs a third aircraft carrier
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to begin constructing a new Vikrant-class 40,000-tonne platform, addressing the Indian Navy’s long-standing demand for a third aircraft carrier.
IAC-2 Development
Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2) will feature upgrades, modifications, and increased local content compared to IAC-1 Vikrant.
- Tonnage: Expected to be a 40,000-odd tonne platform.
- Local Content: Greater local content compared to IAC-1, emphasizing the use of indigenous materials and technologies.
- Upgrades: Incorporates advancements and enhancements learned from the construction and operation of IAC-1.
- Cost: Estimated to cost around $5-6 billion, making it a significant investment.
- A2/AD Environment: Designed to operate in an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environment, addressing threats posed by advanced missile technologies from adversaries like China and Pakistan.
Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) Capabilities
Anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities encompass military strategies designed to prevent an adversary from entering or operating freely within a designated area.
- Layered Defenses: These strategies use multiple layers of defense systems, including missile systems, naval mines, submarines, and aircraft, to deter or impede enemy forces.
- Operational Challenges: A2/AD capabilities present substantial obstacles to conventional military operations, particularly affecting naval forces that rely on access to specific areas for power projection and maritime dominance
Strategic Importance
- Expertise Maintenance: The construction of IAC-2 aims to prevent the lapse of CSL’s carrier-building expertise, ensuring continuous development and capability.
- Supplementary Role: IAC-2 will complement INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, providing the Indian Navy with three operational aircraft carriers.
- Operational Readiness: Ensures the navy can maintain one carrier on each seaboard with an additional carrier in reserve for operational flexibility.
Concerns Regarding the Construction of the IAC-2
- Cost Concerns:
- Astronomical Costs: The estimated cost of the IAC-2 ranges from $5-6 billion, which is significant given India’s current financial constraints and defense budget limitations.
- Budget Allocation: The Indian Navy’s financial constraints have already forced a revision in its goal of operating 200 warships by 2027.
- Additional funds allocated to the IAC-2 might divert resources from other critical needs.
- Operational Efficacy:
- Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) Threats: Advances in A2/AD capabilities by China and Pakistan pose serious threats to carrier operations. The effectiveness of a large, costly carrier in such an environment is questionable.
- Technological Advancements in Missiles: Recent advancements in cruise missile technology have made A2/AD operations easier and cheaper for adversaries, increasing the vulnerability of carriers.
- Strategic Debate within the Navy:
- Sea Denial vs. Sea Control: There is an internal debate within the Navy on whether to pursue a ‘sea denial’ strategy using submarines or a ‘sea control’ approach with carrier battle groups.
- Submarines are considered less vulnerable and potentially more cost-effective.
- Competing Needs:
- Surface Combatants and Equipment: There is also a critical shortage of other surface combatants like corvettes, destroyers, frigates, and naval utility helicopters.
- Inter-Service Competition: The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army are also vying for a larger share of the defense budget to address their own equipment shortages, making budget allocations for the IAC-2 more contentious.
- Alternative Capabilities:
- IAF’s Maritime Strike Capabilities: Some IAF veterans argue that upgraded SEPECAT Jaguar IM/IS and Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters with enhanced maritime strike capabilities could project power more economically and securely than a carrier.
Way Forward
- Enhanced A2/AD Capabilities:
- Fortify Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Strengthen the military capabilities of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago to create an A2/AD maritime exclusive zone. This would serve as a deterrent against the Chinese navy and provide a strategic advantage.
- Upgrading Existing Fleet:
- Modernize Current Vessels: Invest in modernizing and upgrading the existing fleet of submarines and surface combatants to extend their operational life and enhance their capabilities.
- Enhance Airborne Maritime Strike Capabilities: Further equip the IAF’s Su-30MKI and Jaguar IM/IS fleets with advanced maritime strike capabilities and sensors.
- Collaborative Development and Procurement:
- International Partnerships: Explore partnerships with other countries for the co-development and procurement of critical technologies and platforms, reducing costs and sharing expertise.
- Local Industry Involvement: Increase the involvement of local industry in the development and construction of naval assets to boost indigenous capabilities and ensure sustainability.
Conclusion
The Indian Navy’s move towards constructing a third aircraft carrier, IAC-2, reflects a strategic effort to enhance maritime capabilities and preserve shipbuilding expertise. While the project faces significant financial and strategic challenges, it underscores India’s commitment to maintaining a robust and versatile naval force.
References
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
Examine the strategic, operational, and financial implications of India’s decision to construct a third aircraft carrier. [150 words]