Indian Navy Readies INS Vikrant for Long-Endurance Operations

After showcasing its maritime capabilities with successful carrier battle group operations off the coast of Goa, the Indian Navy is now preparing its latest aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, for long-endurance operations. The carrier is scheduled for a ‘guarantee refit’ at Cochin Shipyard and is expected to be ready by the end of 2023. In early June, the Indian Navy demonstrated its strength in the Arabian Sea, with INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant leading strike forces comprising 35 MiG-29K strike aircraft, recently acquired MH 60 R helicopters from the US, and several warships and submarines. This synchronised war drill showcased India's dominance in the Indian Ocean.

While INS Vikrant undergoes refitting, INS Vikramaditya is fully operational following a major overhaul last year and will be deployed this year. The Indian Navy will participate in the Quad Malabar exercises in August, involving warships, submarines, and P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The exercises will see participation from the US, Japan, and the host Australian Navy. Additionally, the Indian government is expected to decide on acquiring approximately 26 Rafale-Maritime aircraft for the new aircraft carrier, ensuring operational synergy and seamless maintenance with the Indian Air Force's fighter platforms. The IAF's Rafale fighters will be showcased at the Bastille Day parade in France on 14 July, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.

Furthermore, the Indian Navy anticipates receiving 10 Sikorsky multi-role helicopters from the US by the end of this year, with the remaining helicopters joining the fleet next year. With its maritime capabilities expanding, the Indian Navy is no longer confined to the Straits of Malacca and the Gulf of Aden. It aims to deploy one carrier on the eastern seaboard and another on the western seaboard of India, with mission-specific deployments and a focus on deterrence rather than maritime diplomacy. In light of China's increasing investments in ports and bases in the ASEAN region, the Indian Navy is considering establishing new bases in the south Indian Ocean to counter any potential sub-continental power hosting Chinese PLAN warships. Additionally, India is seeking investments from oil-rich nations in the Middle East to develop ports in Indian Ocean littoral states, thus ensuring future maritime security in the Southeast Asia region. The fact that Singapore, with the largest military in ASEAN, presents a challenge in countering China's expansionist navy further underscores the importance of strategic planning.