India cannot afford to fall behind in its sea control and maritime deterrence capability when China is planning a large carrier force.
Classification of carriers:
In terms of Size and Role: light, medium, and large/super-carriers; Role: fleet, escort, air defense, amphibious assault, and anti-submarine warfare (helicopter) carriers.
Methodology used to launch and recover Aircraft: Catapult Assisted Take-Off but Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR), Short Take-off but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR), and vertical/short take-off and landing (V/STOL) carriers.