INS Vikramaditya to be Decommissioned by 2036-37, IAC-II to Take Its Place
New Delhi: India’s sole operational aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, is set to be decommissioned by 2036-37, making way for the country’s next-generation Indigenous Aircraft Carrier IAC-II. This move marks a significant step in India’s naval modernization, ensuring that the Indian Navy maintains its strategic edge in the Indo-Pacific region.
A Legacy of Power at Sea
INS Vikramaditya, a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier, was originally commissioned as Baku in the Soviet Navy in 1987. It was later acquired by India in 2004 and extensively refurbished before joining the Indian Navy in 2013. Since then, it has played a crucial role in India’s maritime security, operating MiG-29K fighter jets and acting as a force multiplier in naval operations.
The 44,500-ton carrier has been instrumental in strengthening India’s blue-water capabilities. It has participated in numerous military exercises, including the Malabar Exercise with the US Navy and Varuna with the French Navy. Its presence has also been a deterrent against threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
IAC-II: The Future of India’s Naval Aviation
The Indian Navy is actively working on IAC-II, which will be significantly more advanced than Vikramaditya. While the exact specifications are still under discussion, the carrier is expected to have:
- A displacement of 65,000 to 70,000 tons
- Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) system for launching fighter jets
- Advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS)
- Ability to operate a diverse mix of fighter jets, UAVs, and AEW (Airborne Early Warning) aircraft
- Enhanced automation and stealth features for survivability in modern warfare
The IAC-II project has been under consideration for several years, with India exploring design and technology options from global partners, including the US and France. The Naval Design Bureau (NDB) is working closely with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to finalize plans.
Naval Strength and Strategic Importance
With China rapidly expanding its naval presence, especially in the Indian Ocean, the need for a second aircraft carrier is critical. China’s Shandong and Fujian carriers have already bolstered its naval power. To counterbalance this, India aims to operate a three-carrier fleet, ensuring at least two are always battle-ready while one undergoes maintenance.
The transition from Vikramaditya to IAC-II will ensure India’s maritime dominance remains unchallenged. The new carrier will complement INS Vikrant (IAC-I), India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier commissioned in 2022, thereby strengthening the Indian Navy’s carrier battle group capabilities.
Decommissioning Vikramaditya
By the late 2030s, INS Vikramaditya will complete nearly five decades of service, including its tenure with the Soviet and Indian navies. As maintenance costs increase and newer technologies emerge, phasing out the carrier will be a necessary step.
The Indian Navy will likely use Vikramaditya for training and experimental operations before its final retirement. The decommissioning process will be carefully planned, ensuring a smooth transition to IAC-II without compromising India’s naval operational readiness.
Conclusion
India’s decision to retire INS Vikramaditya and introduce IAC-II represents a bold step toward self-reliance and strategic maritime expansion. As threats in the Indo-Pacific grow, a modern and powerful navy is crucial. The Indian Navy’s future will be shaped by cutting-edge technology, superior naval aviation, and a fleet capable of projecting power globally.
With the 2036-37 timeline set for Vikramaditya’s retirement, the next decade will be crucial for India’s indigenous carrier program. The success of IAC-II will determine India’s standing among the world’s leading naval powers.
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