Why India needs a third aircraft carrier

Recent media reports indicate progress towards the construction of a third aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), aiming to prevent the lapse of carrier-building expertise and addressing long-standing operational requirements.

Key Aspects of the Third Aircraft Carrier:

• Naval Imperatives and Historical Precedents: The decision to proceed with the construction of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2) reflects the Indian Navy's strategic imperative to maintain a robust fleet, recalling past lapses in submarine-building expertise. The initiative seeks to avoid a repeat of past mistakes, such as the dissipation of Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilder's capabilities, and instead ensure continuity in carrier-building capabilities.
• Operational Significance and Challenges: The IAC-2, an add-on to the Vikrant-class carriers, aims to fulfill the Navy's requirement for carrier presence on both seaboards and a reserve carrier. However, concerns linger regarding the project's substantial cost, estimated at $5-6 billion, and its operational effectiveness in the face of evolving anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, particularly from China and Pakistan.
• Strategic Considerations and Alternative Approaches: Debates within the Indian Navy revolve around the strategic choice between pursuing a 'sea denial' strategy, primarily utilizing submarines, or investing in 'sea control' through carrier battle groups. Some voices question the prioritization of a new carrier over other critical naval assets, such as submarines and surface combatants.

Exploring Alternative Strategies and Upgrading Capabilities:

• Diversifying Military Capabilities: Alternative strategies include enhancing military capabilities in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago to establish an A2/AD maritime 'exclusive zone,' deterring potential threats, including the Chinese navy. This approach offers a potentially cost-effective and resilient alternative to investing in additional aircraft carriers.
• Leveraging Existing Assets and Technological Advancements: Some advocate for maximizing the operational capabilities of existing assets, such as SEPECAT Jaguar IM/IS and Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, equipped with maritime strike capabilities and advanced radar systems. Additionally, the deployment of Su-30MKI squadrons armed with supersonic cruise missiles enhances the Indian Air Force's maritime surveillance and strike capabilities.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis and Strategic Prioritization: Military planners weigh the costs and benefits of aircraft carriers against alternative defense strategies and asset upgrades. The limited defense budget, coupled with competing demands from other branches of the military, underscores the need for strategic prioritization and resource optimization in addressing India's security challenges.

Mains Question:

Q. Evaluate the strategic significance of India's decision to proceed with the construction of a third aircraft carrier, considering operational imperatives, financial constraints, and evolving security threats in the region.