The Indian Navy is preparing to submit a proposal to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for the development of its second indigenous aircraft carrier, IAC-II. The Navy is seeking the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the crucial first step toward the project’s approval.
The proposed IAC-II is expected to have a displacement of 45,000 tonnes and come with an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore. Once approved, the aircraft carrier will be built by Cochin Shipyard, a state-run enterprise, with enhancements to support unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations.
The Indian Navy has long advocated for a three-carrier fleet to effectively counter China’s growing naval power and influence in the Indian Ocean region. At present, India operates two aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya, of Russian origin, and INS Vikrant, the country’s first domestically constructed carrier.
The development of IAC-II highlights India’s ongoing efforts to bolster its maritime strength and maintain a significant presence in the strategically important Indian Ocean. As the proposal advances, the DAC will carefully assess the project’s feasibility, cost implications, and alignment with the Navy’s long-term strategic goals.
