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    Happy with INS Vikrant, Indian Navy mulls placing repeat order for carrier

    Synopsis

    The IAC II project has been under discussion for at least five years and contemplates a larger aircraft carrier that can carry more platforms and possibly a catapult launched system instead of the ski jumps currently used. This is the first time the Navy has indicated that an additional ship of the Vikrant class may be ordered instead of going in for a fresh design.

    INS VIkrantAgencies
    "We are currently examining whether we should look at a repeat order of the IAC (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier) instead of an IAC II to capitalise on the expertise that has been gained," the Navy Chief Admiral Hari said at a press interaction ahead of Navy Day.
    New Delhi: Buoyed by the performance of the indigenous INS Vikrant aircraft carrier that was commissioned earlier this year, the Navy is contemplating ordering a follow on ship of the same class, instead of going in for a larger warship design.

    Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar said a lot of expertise has been gained while building the Vikrant at Kochi and an additional order could leverage the ecosystem that has been created during the construction.

    "We are currently examining whether we should look at a repeat order of the IAC (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier) instead of an IAC II to capitalise on the expertise that has been gained. It is right now in a discussion stage and has not been taken to the government," the Navy Chief said at a press interaction ahead of Navy Day.

    The IAC II project has been under discussion for at least five years and contemplates a larger aircraft carrier that can carry more platforms and possibly a catapult launched system instead of the ski jumps currently used. This is the first time the Navy has indicated that an additional ship of the Vikrant class may be ordered instead of going in for a fresh design.

    The Navy Chief also said that work is progressing on developing an indigenous deck based fighter aircraft and the aim is to have a self-reliant Navy by the year 2047. "The twin engine deck based fighter is being developed with ADA (Aeronautical Development Authority) and we are preparing a draft cabinet note for that. We are confident that by 2026 we should have a prototype and production thereafter by 2032," the Navy Chief said.

    On procurement of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones, the officer said a case for acquiring the systems is under progress and the leasing of two MQ9B drones from US has given the Navy 'great value' when it comes to surveillance of the Indian Ocean Region. The number of drones to be acquired - initially 30 were under consideration - is likely to be rationalised, the officer added.

    On acquisition of minesweepers, Admiral Kumar said a new concept is now under discussion that would consist of a mothership that can launch autonomous vessels and drones to assist in clearing an area. New technical requirements for this class of ships is being drawn up.



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