China is two steps ahead, the challenge in the Indian Ocean is no less, now a third aircraft carrier has become necessary for India, understand

New Delhi: There is a lot at stake for India in the Indian Ocean region. India’s coastline is very large, approximately 7,517 kilometers. It is located at the center of important sea routes for the busy trade routes of West Asia, Africa and East Asia. India currently has only two aircraft carriers, which are no longer capable. The third aircraft carrier will not only be a naval necessity but will also be a symbol of economic development, strategic necessity and India’s rise as a global maritime power.Why is it important from strategic point of view?
Maritime security is very important for India. Hence the need for aircraft carriers. These carriers reflect India’s strength at sea and also protect us in distant lands. The security of the sea lanes from Hormuz to Malacca is essential for our trade. India also suffered losses this year due to the attacks in the Gulf of Aden. India has two aircraft carriers. INS Vikramaditya, earlier known as Admiral Gorshkov, was acquired from Russia in 2013. INS Vikrant, commissioned in 2022, is the first carrier built in India. This shows the technological strength of India.

However, due to operational limitations sometimes only a single carrier remains combat ready. Having a third carrier would ensure two carriers would always be deployed. With this, the Indian Navy will be able to ensure the security of both the eastern and western seaboards and will also be prepared for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

China’s thinking two steps ahead
China is rapidly modernizing its navy. This is a lesson for India also. India needs to build a third aircraft carrier. AMCA and LCA Mk-2 projects will also have to be completed rapidly. Some videos have surfaced this week. In these, China’s new sixth generation fighter aircraft is seen flying for the first time. But China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian, has become a reality. It has completed the first sea trials. It will soon be inducted into the Navy, although no date has been announced.

Fujian departed Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard on 1 May for her maiden sea trials. It returned to the shipyard on 8 May. During eight days of sea trials, Fujian tested its propulsion, electrical systems and other equipment. This 80,000 ton aircraft carrier is equipped with Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). This technology keeps China ahead of many navies of the world. EMALS is a new technology that makes it easier to fly planes from carriers. China plans to build more aircraft carriers by 2050.

Economic and industrial impact
Building a third carrier ship is not only a strategic decision but will also boost the economy. The ‘Vikrant’ project directly generated 2000 jobs, but also created 13,000 more jobs indirectly. Along with big industries, many small and medium industries (MSMEs) also took part in the construction of this ship.

This was considered an important step towards ‘Make in India’ and ‘Self-reliant India’. This will reduce dependence on import of defense equipment and save foreign exchange. A new carrier ship project will also generate similar economic activities, increase employment opportunities and promote technological innovation.

The economic multiplier of shipbuilding industry in India is very high. This means that every Re 1 investment generates an additional Rs 1.82 of activity in the economy. This reinvestment also supports direct employment and supporting industries such as steel, aluminum and electronics.

technological progress
India’s next carrier ship should have the most modern technology so that it can be at par with other countries in the world. Although ‘INS Vikrant’ has STBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system, the next ship may have EMALS and CATOBAR (Catapult-Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system, like China’s ‘Fujian’ Is in the ship.

With these systems, heavy aircraft, drones (UAVs) and modern surveillance equipment can be easily flown. Carrier ships running on nuclear energy are also of great importance. These ships have longer ranges and require less refueling. This will also keep the environment safe because it will reduce carbon emissions. Although these ships cost more, the benefits in the long run will far outweigh the initial investment.

Humanitarian aid and diplomatic contributions
Since the 2004 tsunami, India has made its mark as the first country to respond to disasters in the region. Since then, the Indian Navy has helped many countries in the region, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. In many ways, the Indian Navy is an important part of India’s diplomacy. It helps neighboring countries not only through words but also through actions. India’s diplomatic power will further increase with the help of bigger ships (carriers). India can help its neighboring countries, strengthen regional partnerships and project its power in the Indo-Pacific region.

Criticisms and challenges
The first thing that stands out is the very high cost of these ships. Building an aircraft carrier is extremely expensive, its cost runs into thousands of crores of rupees. The cost of the third carrier ship is estimated to be around Rs 40,000 crore. However, the benefits in the long run, such as boosting the economy and increasing security, justify the expense. By partnering between government and private sectors and streamlining the procurement process, costs can be reduced and timely construction of ships can be ensured.

With the development of cyber warfare, space warfare and other new warfare strategies, some believe that large conventional platforms such as carrier ships will no longer be as important in future wars. However, working together with submarines, warships and surveillance systems, carrier ships are vital to a balanced naval force.