The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) has progressed with the Indian Navy’s proposal for the second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, marking a step toward government approval. Sources confirm that the DPB’s decision, along with other proposals, will soon be presented before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). The DPB is responsible for scrutinizing the capital proposals of the services, which are subsequently submitted to the DAC, chaired by the Defence Minister, for approval. The DAC grants the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), initiating the acquisition process.
Earlier reports indicated that files for another indigenous aircraft carrier were in advanced stages and expected to receive government approval. Additionally, plans for a third and larger aircraft carrier are in progress. The Indian Navy aims to continue its study for the third indigenous aircraft carrier to sustain operational capabilities, and it will be larger than the IAC-2.
In February, it was reported that the Indian Navy would proceed with the IAC-2, similar to the commissioned INS Vikrant, and simultaneously initiate a study for larger carriers. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar mentioned plans for a repeat order with improved capabilities for the IAC-2 and a study for larger carriers. Changes were made to the initial plans for IAC-2, which was originally intended to be larger than the IAC-1 (INS Vikrant), with a target size of around 65,000 tonnes compared to INS Vikrant’s 44,000 tonnes.
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