India to Add Another Aircraft Carrier to Its Naval Fleet

New Delhi: India is planning to have another aircraft carrier worth almost 400 billion rupees in its naval fleet. This will be a measure to counter China’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean region.

According to reports, the Defense Acquisition Council, led by defense minister, Rajnath Singh is expected to clear the acquisition of its second indigenous carrier on Friday.

The proposed new aircraft carrier, will have the capacity to hold at least 28 fighter jets and helicopters. French Rafale jets will also be part of this aircraft carrier, sources said.

India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, joined the naval fleet in 2022. It was built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. Indian Navy also has a Russia-made aircraft carrier.