India’s aircraft carriers key to Indo-Pacific strategy

Modified kiev-class Indian aircraft carrier Vikramaditya is seen during the International Fleet Review in Vishakapatnam, India, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. India is preparing to relaunch INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier after a major refit, a critical step toward fulfilling its plan to deploy two carrier battle groups as it seeks to strengthen its regional maritime power to counter China's increasing assertiveness. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das)

India’s aircraft carriers key to Indo-Pacific strategy | AP News

By ASHOK SHARMA and DAVID RISING

NEW DELHI (AP) — India is preparing to relaunch its INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier after a major refit, a critical step toward fulfilling its plan to deploy two carrier battle groups as it seeks to strengthen its regional maritime power to counter China’s increasing assertiveness.

The Vikramaditya, a former Soviet carrier acquired from Russia, is expected to be launched imminently and will join India’s first domestically built carrier that was launched in September, the INS Vikrant, in undergoing outfitting and sea trials, with the plan to have both fully operational later this year.

“This is significant in terms of India’s power projection capabilities, primarily within the Indian Ocean,” said Viraj Solanki, a London-based expert on Indo-Pacific defense with the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“This really gives India an option to display its ability to counter China within the Indian Ocean, which is the Indian navy’s priority.”

READ FULL ARTICLE : India’s aircraft carriers key to Indo-Pacific strategy | AP News

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here