• UGI USER
  • Feb 13, 2024
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SECURING THE SEA LANES

Relevance:

GS 2 and 3

  • Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
  • Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Why in News:

  • The Defence Acquisitions Council has approved, in principle, the need for a third aircraft carrier

Source- The Diplomat

 As India approaches its independence centenary, it stands on the brink of becoming the world’s third-richest nation by GDP. This pivotal moment raises critical questions about the nature and composition of its armed forces, diverging significantly from the force structure conceived in the late 20th century. The approval by the Defence Acquisitions Council for a third aircraft carrier marks a significant step in this direction, prompting discussions on its size and operational role.

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

·    Purpose and Authority: The Defence Acquisition Council stands as the apex decision-making entity within the Ministry of Defence, primarily focusing on procurement matters.

·    Establishment: The council was established following the recommendations made by the Group of Ministers on ‘Reforming the National Security System’ in 2001, in the aftermath of the Kargil War of 1999.

Leadership and Membership:

·    The council is chaired by the Defence Minister.

·    Its membership comprises the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) alongside the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Procurement Process Initiation:

·    The issuance of an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) marks the initial step in the procurement process for military equipment and hardware, aligning with India’s defence acquisition guidelines.

·    The process of tendering and contracting proceeds only subsequent to the AoN’s approval.

Current Threats to Maritime Security

India’s current naval posture, focused on anti-piracy patrols, is insufficient to counter or deter threats from non-state actors like the Houthis.

  • Naval Modernization: The modernization of India’s navy is essential for bolstering its maritime capabilities; however, achieving this goal demands ongoing investment and strategic foresight.
  • Terrorism and Insurgency: Terrorist groups could exploit the maritime sector for activities such as arms smuggling and infiltrating militants, presenting a grave challenge to coastal security.
  • Border and Territorial Disputes: Disagreements regarding maritime boundaries with nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh add layers of complexity to safeguarding and managing India’s maritime zones.
  • IUU Fishing: The presence of foreign vessels engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing undermines India’s marine ecosystems, adversely affects local fishermen’s livelihoods, and poses a challenge to maritime law enforcement efforts.
  • Maritime Terrorism: The threat of attacks targeting ports and vessels underscores the urgency for India to fortify its maritime infrastructure against potential threats.

Strategic Value of Aircraft Carriers

  • Aircraft carriers serve as a crucial element of naval dominance and power projection, influencing geopolitical dynamics far beyond a nation’s shores.
  • The distinction between sea control and power projection carriers underlines the strategic necessity for India to possess carriers capable of significant strike capabilities.
  • Deploying aircraft carriers in strategic locations can significantly bolster India’s diplomatic efforts and influence in conflict resolution and negotiations.
  • A powerful carrier presence could have enhanced the effectiveness of diplomatic missions, such as negotiations with Tehran, by demonstrating India’s military capabilities and resolve.

Addressing Contemporary and Future Challenges

  • The rise of China’s naval power, including the commissioning of advanced carriers, poses strategic challenges to India’s maritime dominance in the region.
  • India must consider its strategic position and capabilities in light of potential geopolitical shifts, such as Beijing’s interests in the Bay of Bengal through Myanmar.
  • Strategic planning for defense and security must account for emerging threats and the evolving global order.
  • India should prioritize the development of a balanced and technologically advanced military force capable of addressing both current and future challenges.

For India to assert its place as a world power, a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to naval expansion and strategic military planning is imperative. The acquisition and development of significant naval assets, including advanced aircraft carriers, are central to India’s ability to influence global security dynamics and uphold international maritime order.

Overview of Aircraft Carriers

·    Definition: An aircraft carrier is a substantial naval vessel designed to transport, launch, land, and support military aircraft. It functions as a mobile airbase with a full-length flight deck.

·    Capabilities and Role: These maritime behemoths are equipped to handle various aircraft operations, including the arming, deployment, and recovery of aircraft. They serve as the central command and control hub for naval forces during both wartime and peacetime.

·    Composition of Carrier Battle Groups: An aircraft carrier operates within a carrier battle group, which includes the carrier itself along with its escort ships, forming a potent naval task force.

·    Historical Significance: The concept of massing carriers into a formidable task force was pioneered by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II, most notably with the Kido Butai fleet during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

·    Future Developments: Plans for advancing carrier capabilities include the proposal for INS Vishal, an envisioned 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier. This vessel is projected to surpass the scale of both the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-1 (IAC-1) and INS Vikramaditya, marking a significant step in naval aviation capacity.

Evolution of Aircraft Carriers in the Indian Navy

·    INS Vikrant (R11) – The Trailblazer (1961-1997): Originally acquired from the United Kingdom, INS Vikrant proudly served the Indian Navy for over three decades. It played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, contributing to the creation of Bangladesh. The carrier was decommissioned and eventually dismantled in Mumbai in 2014.

·    INS Viraat (R22) – The Centaur-Class Legacy (1987-2016): Following INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy welcomed INS Viraat, previously HMS Hermes of the Royal Navy. Renamed after joining the Indian fleet, INS Viraat served with distinction for nearly three decades before being decommissioned.

·    INS Vikramaditya – The Modern Behemoth: A transformative addition to India’s naval capabilities, INS Vikramaditya, a Kiev-class carrier originally the Russian Admiral Gorshkov, was commissioned in 2013. It stands as the Indian Navy’s most significant warship and aircraft carrier, symbolizing modern naval prowess.

·   INS Vikrant – Honoring the Legacy: To honor the historic INS Vikrant, the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) has been christened with the same name. Constructed at Cochin Shipyard Limited, the new INS Vikrant has embarked on sea trials, with commissioning expected in 2023. This milestone underscores India’s entry into an elite group capable of building cutting-edge aircraft carriers.

·   Operational Capabilities: The Indian Navy envisions the latest INS Vikrant to host a formidable air group, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 and MH-60R multi-role helicopters, and the domestically produced Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), enhancing its operational flexibility and power projection.

 

Source

IE

https://epaper.indianexpress.com/c/74547802

Mains Question

Discuss India’s strategic imperative to bolster its naval capabilities, emphasizing the significance of investing in aircraft carriers for power projection and maritime security. Analyze how changing geopolitical dynamics and economic growth projections influence India’s role as a regional maritime power. Assess the challenges and opportunities. (200 words)