China’s Fujian Carrier Advances Global Naval Aviation

China recently commissioned its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, at Sanya, Hainan Island. This 80,000-tonne carrier uses an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) to launch fifth-generation J-35 fighters and KJ-600 early warning aircraft. Fujian marks a major milestone in carrier technology and naval power. China is also building a fourth nuclear-powered supercarrier with EMALS, accelerating its naval expansion. Meanwhile, India’s indigenous carrier programme advances slowly despite a long history in carrier aviation.

China’s Naval Expansion and Technological Leap

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is the world’s largest by number of ships, with over 370 vessels and expected to reach 435 by 2030. The Fujian carrier uses advanced EMALS technology, previously only deployed by the US on the Gerald R Ford-class carriers, which have faced reliability issues. China bypassed steam catapults entirely and resolved technical challenges quickly. The PLAN commissioned its first carrier, Liaoning, in 2012, followed by Shandong in 2019 and Fujian in 2023. China also revealed Type 076 amphibious assault ship capable of launching fixed-wing aircraft, further boosting its naval aviation capabilities.

India’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Journey

India inducted its first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-I), INS Vikrant, in 2022 after two decades of development. Vikrant was designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, marking a major step in India’s shipbuilding expertise. However, India’s second carrier, IAC-II, is still under consideration with no construction start. The Defence Procurement Board reviewed it in 2023 with an estimated cost of ₹40,000 crore. IAC-II is planned as an improved repeat of Vikrant’s design, avoiding complex new technology to reduce risks and timelines. By the time IAC-II is ready, India’s other carrier, INS Vikramaditya, will near retirement, impacting India’s carrier fleet strength.

Challenges in Carrier-based Fighter Aircraft

India currently operates MiG-29K jets on both carriers but faces shortages and technical issues. Only about 40 of 45 jets remain operational. Their phaseout is planned from 2034. The Navy issued a tender for 54 new carrier fighters in 2017 but later reduced it to 26 to support indigenous development of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF). TEDBF aims for induction around 2035 but lacks formal project approval. India signed a ₹64,000-crore deal with France for 26 Rafale-M jets, expected by 2030, but these will not fully cover future needs. Without timely action, India risks a shortage of carrier-capable fighters in the 2040s.

Strategic Importance and Future Roadmap

Aircraft carriers remain vital for maritime power projection and sea control. India’s Navy aims for a three-carrier force to cover both coasts and allow for refit cycles. Delays in carrier and fighter development threaten this goal. The Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) 2025 marks future needs like nuclear propulsion, EMALS, and automatic landing systems. Synchronising carrier construction with fighter development and new technologies is critical. India must accelerate IAC-II construction, fast-track TEDBF, and plan for advanced propulsion and launch systems to maintain strategic relevance in the Indo-Pacific.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the strategic significance of aircraft carriers in contemporary maritime security with examples from India and China.
2. Explain the challenges and advantages of Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) compared to steam catapults in naval aviation.
3. What are the implications of indigenous defence manufacturing for India’s naval capabilities? Discuss with suitable examples.
4. Comment on the role of technological innovation and procurement delays in shaping India’s naval power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the strategic significance of aircraft carriers in contemporary maritime security with examples from India and China.

1. Aircraft carriers enable power projection across sea, air, and land, crucial for maritime dominance and deterrence.
2. China’s rapid carrier expansion (Fujian and upcoming nuclear supercarrier) enhances its Indo-Pacific influence and blue-water capability.
3. India’s carriers (INS Vikrant, INS Vikramaditya) secure maritime interests but face limitations due to aircraft shortages and slow indigenous progress.
4. Carriers provide command and control platforms essential for sea control, especially in contested regions like the Indo-Pacific.
5. China’s numerical fleet superiority (370+ ships) and advanced tech contrasts with India’s smaller, technologically developing fleet.
6. Maintaining a three-carrier force is vital for India’s strategic coverage of both coasts and continuous operational readiness.

2. Explain the challenges and advantages of Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) compared to steam catapults in naval aviation.

1. EMALS offers smoother acceleration, less stress on aircraft, and supports launching heavier and next-gen fighters like J-35 or F-35.
2. Steam catapults are proven but bulky, maintenance-heavy, and less adaptable to future aircraft types.
3. US Ford-class carriers faced reliability issues with EMALS and weapons elevators, causing deployment delays.
4. China successfully adopted EMALS directly, bypassing steam catapults, resolving technical challenges faster.
5. EMALS enables faster launch rates and reduced manpower but requires advanced power generation and complex electronics.
6. US consideration to revert to steam catapults marks ongoing teething problems with EMALS technology.

3. What are the implications of indigenous defence manufacturing for India’s naval capabilities? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Indigenous carriers like INS Vikrant demonstrate India’s growing shipbuilding expertise and strategic autonomy.
2. Delays in IAC-II and TEDBF fighter development risk capability gaps and reliance on foreign imports.
3. Successful indigenous projects reduce dependence on external suppliers, enhancing security and self-reliance.
4. Long construction timelines (8-10 years for carriers) require sustained political and financial commitment.
5. Indigenous manufacturing boosts domestic industry, technology development, and skilled workforce.
6. Failure to accelerate indigenous programs could lead to capability erosion, similar to past submarine setbacks.

4. Comment on the role of technological innovation and procurement delays in shaping India’s naval power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.

1. Technological innovation (EMALS, nuclear propulsion, automatic landing systems) is key to future carrier effectiveness.
2. Procurement delays in IAC-II and TEDBF hinder India’s ability to maintain continuous carrier-based air power.
3. Delays risk India falling behind China’s fast-paced naval modernization and expanding Indo-Pacific presence.
4. Synchronising carrier construction with fighter induction and new tech development is critical for operational readiness.
5. India’s current fighter shortage undermines full utilisation of existing carriers, weakening deterrence.
6. Proactive policy and funding decisions are needed to avoid strategic irrelevance in a crowded carrier environment.