The elusive supercarrier: India's ambitious quest for the INS Vishal
In short: India's next generation of naval power, the INS Vishal, has been a moving target for over a decade. From debates over nuclear propulsion to complex electromagnetic launch systems, the project's journey reveals the immense technical and budgetary hurdles involved in building a modern supercarrier.
Originally known as IAC-III, the INS Vishal is intended to be India's third aircraft carrier, following the INS Vikrant and a second Vikrant-class vessel. The project has faced significant shifts in direction. While the Navy initially considered nuclear propulsion—a move reported in 2016—they ultimately pivoted toward an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion System (IFEP). This decision followed feedback from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), which estimated it would take 15 to 20 years to develop a high-rated nuclear reactor capable of producing 500 to 550 megawatts for maritime environments.
A central technical feature of the Vishal is the CATOBAR configuration, utilizing Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) technology. General Atomics created this system for the US Navy's Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, enabling a more diverse array of aircraft, such as heavier fighters and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Interest in this technology dates back to 2013, when thirty Indian Navy officers were briefed by General Atomics official Scott Forney III.
The scale of the project is immense. The ship is anticipated to weigh 65,000 tonnes and measure roughly 300 metres, reaching speeds over 30 knots. However, the project has been marked by budgetary uncertainty. In 2015, the Defence Acquisition Council allotted ₹30 crore for initial planning, but later estimates suggested the total cost could exceed $20 billion. As of 2026, the project remains described as 'elusive' due to continued government silence regarding specific timelines.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: INS Vishal
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