Strategic Importance of Carrier Aviation

Context

Recently, on March 5, the Indian Navy with its two carrier aircraft INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant demonstrated the significance of carrier aviation by showcasing twin carrier operations using MiG-29K fighter jets. They both took simultaneously using cross-deck landing.

About Carrier Aviation

• Carrier aviation refers to the armed services’ usage of the carrier fleet which consists of the fixed-wing aircraft selected and designed to be launched from aircraft carriers. Such aircraft carriers are not only serving as a mobile airbase, an operational system through which it is possible to effectively deploy aircraft over long distances for air superiority, strike strategic targets, gather intelligence and counter maritime illegal activities.
• Distinctive traits of carrier-based aviation are its ability to develop and to operate out of the carrier deck. These have wings which fold easily, strong nose landing gear, and tailhook for easier storage, safe touch downs, and finer speed reduction. The aircraft carriers can serve a multitude of roles starting from fighter jets, energy aircraft, reconnaissance planes and helicopters.
• Carrier aviation becomes the cornerstone of modern naval warfare with its aim to get into the aerial control of the operations zone, conduct targeted strikes on the enemy and cover the sea and land forces. This enables a state to push its power and in return influence in the wide seas and the open oceans around the world.

About carrier aircraft INS Vikramaditya

• Our national warship Vikramaditya underwent refurbishment and has since entered service as the lead ship, hence named Admiral Gorshkov of the Soviet Union in 2013. 
• Power of the Indian Navy carrier is that it has got the modern type of MiG-29K′ aircraft for fighting as well as high performing helicopters of the latest type, and all of them are the main tools to boost the strength of the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean. 
• This warship which is above 45000 tons will not only provide military power but also will patrol India’s commercial ships which are growing day by day.

About Carrier aircraft INS Vikrant

• INS Vikrant, the country’s first aircraft carrier which was commissioned in September, 2022 is an Indian indigenous carrier. 
• Signifies the coming of an era which is going to witness the highest calibre of naval air power from India. With a slight displacement of 40,000 tons and having a length of 262 metres, INS Vikrant can accommodate various aircraft like jet fighters as well as helicopters. 
• This commissioning gives positive reinforcement to Indian nations and ensures its maritime and real time control as well as capability of projecting military power in the Indian Ocean region.

Significance of Carrier Aviation

• However, the importance of Carrier Aviation depends on the deployment of aircraft to multiply its role extending to the Indian subcontinent and influence in the Indian Ocean region. 
• INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant’s ‘twin carrier operations’ indicate India’s growing dominance in the intensively demanding Navy aviation, almost being a rare capability available among the nations. 
• INS Vikrant being the indigenously developed ship predominantly represents the defence technological progress and the country’s capability to build defence equipment itself. 
• Moreover, this discussion of the capabilities of INS Vikrant also highlights the critical role that aircraft carriers have in ensuring the functions of command, control and coordination of naval operations and this is critical because it contributes to the overall security and readiness of the ocean. 
• Likewise, the plans for the second naval indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-II) by India highlight that carrier aviation shall play a major role in declaring the state of the Indian Navy and its presence in the region.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• The Indian Navy’s carrier warfare in the last undecided years and now operating on two carriers gives a clear instance of the importance of the concept of carrier warfare in the modern naval war. 
• India occupies these positions with assertive presence symbolised by the fleet of aircraft carriers the INS Vikramaditya for technical advancements and the INS Vikrant based on pride for the weapons. 
• It entails a large degree of leadership in carrying out maritime security functions which involve policing and coordination of marine affairs to guarantee safety at sea. 
• A commencement of work on a second Indian aircraft carrier (IAC-II) will undoubtedly be a signal that carrier aviation is germinating as a highly significant element of empowering India’s naval power. 
• Thus, India should not give up its strategic influence earned through the Indigenous Oceans and also beyond by continuously budgeting for its carriers′ air.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question 

Q.Discuss the historical and contemporary significance of carrier aviation in modern naval warfare. Evaluate the role of aircraft carriers as power projection platforms, force multipliers, and strategic assets in maintaining maritime superiority.

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