India’s blue-water navy calls for a third carrier
India has not decided how big it wants its next aircraft carrier to be, but it definitely wants a third one as it seeks to dominate the Indian Ocean region.
An Indian ambition to establish a strong presence in the Indian Ocean region amidst the changing geopolitical maritime environment has led to a wish list of procurements by the Indian Navy.
At the top of the list is a third aircraft carrier so that one each is positioned on both the western and eastern seaboards as the third undergoes refit and repair.
Adm Karambir Singh, the Indian Navy (IN) Chief of Naval Staff, stated at the annual Navy Day press conference on 3 December: ‘The Indian Navy is absolutely clear of the utility of a third carrier.’
The IN presently
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year]()
Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year
CCGS Donjek is currently being prepared to start testing and be handed over to the Canadian Coast Guard in the second half of 2026.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
-
![How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls]()
How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
