India’s plans for a 3rd aircraft carrier may have been torpedoed as the defense chief prioritizes new submarines. This decision will shape the Indian Navy’s strengths and weaknesses at a time when regional players, notably China and Pakistan, are modernizing their navies.
The Indian Chief of Defense Staff, General Bipin Rawat, has been quoted as saying “When we know that there would be two aircraft carriers there, and if the submarine force is dwindling, then our priority should be for submarines”. In an interview published on February 10 he also cast doubt on the third aircraft carrier. “It will be bought if it is required… but you cannot predict what the situation will be 10 years from now. We don’t know what will happen.” Read More…