Indian Navy conducts mega operation with two aircraft carriers, 35 jets

It added that the operations demonstrated its “formidable capability” in ensuring sustained air operations across the vast maritime expanse while marking a significant milestone in Indian Navy’s pursuit of enhancing maritime security and power-projection in the Indian Ocean, and beyond.

The seamless operational integration of the two aircraft carriers @IN_Vikramaditya & @IN_R11Vikrant as well as fleet ships & submarines is a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea based air power & India’s role as the preferred security partner in the #IndianOcean & beyond pic.twitter.com/XiW2UXloSK

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 10, 2023

The operations come amid increasing Chinese forays into the Indian Ocean. India presently has two aircraft carriers. The Navy has been seeking a third aircraft carrier — and is discussing the feasibility for going in for a repeat order of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier or IAC 1 — INS Vikrant.

The exercise involved integrating two Aircraft Carriers — INS Vikramaditya and the indigenous INS Vikrant — along with a diverse fleet of ships, submarines and aircraft.

The aircraft carriers served as “floating sovereign airfields”, providing a launch platform for a wide array of aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, MH60R, Kamov, Sea King, Chetaks and advanced light helicopters.

“These mobile bases can be positioned anywhere, allowing for increased mission flexibility, timely response to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard our national interests across the globe,” the Navy said.

Additionally, they assure the country’s friendly neighbors that the Navy is capable and ready to support ‘collective’ security needs in the Region.

The Navy added that the successful demonstration of two carrier battle group operations serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority.

It said the significance of aircraft carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nation’s defence strategy and promoting regional stability.

Last month, a MiG-29K fighter aircraft undertook maiden night landing on the deck of INS Vikrant in what could be seen as a major milestone.