INDIA: India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier(IAC) will be commissioned next year. It is reported that the IAC’s combat capability, reach and versatility will be a big boost to the country’s defense system.
In a statement to the media, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described it as India’s pride and a “shining example” of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The minister said that it was a pleasure to review first-hand, the work being done on the IAC.
“The project was originally approved by the NDA government and has made significant progress in the recent past despite COVID. Commissioning of the IAC next year will be a befitting tribute to 75 years of India’s independence”, Singh said in the statement.
“The combat capability, reach and versatility of the aircraft carrier will add formidable capabilities in the defense of our country and help secure India’s interests in the maritime domain,” the Defence Minister added.
The IAC boasts of nearly 75 percent indigenous content, from design to steel used in construction, to key weapons and sensors. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also recently accorded approval for the RFP of Project 75-I under the Strategic Partnership model. This will give further fillip to the indigenous development of niche manufacturing technologies.
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Singh said that the government is fully committed to a strong navy. Previously, Singh had reviewed Project Seabird at Karwar which is going to be the largest naval base of the Indian navy in the future. The project is expected to provide the infrastructure and facilities to support the Navy’s operations in the Indian Ocean and beyond. Singh believes that IAC along with Project Seabird will make the Indian navy stronger than before.
“Our impetus to modernization, harnessing India’s indigenous industry and know-how, is a key priority. Forty-two of the 44 warships on order being built at Indian shipyards is a testimony to this”, he said.
“These measures will help enhance the Indian Navy’s operational reach and prowess to protect India’s maritime interests,” he said. Singh said the Indian Navy remains poised and combat-ready to tackle any challenge.
“Navy’s proactive forward deployment during the Galwan standoff signaled our intent that we seek peace but are ready for any eventuality,” the minister added.
