India’s State-of-the-Art Naval Air Station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

INS Jatayu, India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, is set to be commissioned into the Indian Navy in August 2024. The 45,000-tonne warship, named after the divine bird from Hindu mythology, represents a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Key Features of INS Jatayu

INS Jatayu incorporates a range of advanced technologies and design features, including:

• Conventional propulsion system with four gas turbines and two shafts, capable of achieving speeds over 30 knots
• Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system for aircraft operations, with a ski-jump ramp and three arrestor wires
• Capacity to carry 30-35 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighters, Ka-31 helicopters, and MH-60R multi-role helicopters
• State-of-the-art combat management system, developed in collaboration with Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division
• Indigenously developed steel, with over 76% of the ship’s components sourced from Indian suppliers

Project Timeline and Milestones

The development of INS Jatayu has been a complex, multi-year endeavor involving numerous public and private sector partners. Key milestones include:

• 2003: Indian Navy initiates Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) project
• 2005: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) selected as the build site for IAC-1
• 2009: Design work completed and construction begins
• 2013: First phase of construction completed with the launching of the hull
• 2020: Harbor trials commence, testing propulsion, electrical, and other systems
• 2022: Maiden sea trials conducted off the coast of Kochi
• 2023: Aviation trials with MiG-29K fighters and Ka-31 helicopters
• August 2024: Scheduled commissioning of INS Jatayu

Significance for India’s Naval Capabilities

INS Jatayu will significantly enhance India’s naval power projection capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. Key strategic implications include:

• Establishing India as the sixth country in the world capable of designing and building aircraft carriers, alongside the US, UK, Russia, France, and China
• Strengthening India’s ability to secure its maritime interests, including vital sea lanes of communication and offshore energy resources
• Enhancing interoperability with partner navies, particularly in the context of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with the US, Japan, and Australia
• Providing a platform for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, as demonstrated during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

Comparison with Other Aircraft Carriers

Future Plans and Challenges

While the commissioning of INS Jatayu marks a significant achievement for India’s naval ambitions, challenges remain in terms of operational readiness and future development. Key issues include:

• Ensuring a sufficient number of trained pilots and maintenance personnel to operate the carrier and its air wing effectively
• Developing a robust domestic supply chain for spare parts and upgrades, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers
• Addressing delays and cost overruns in the construction of IAC-2, India’s planned 65,000-tonne carrier with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS)
• Balancing the high costs of carrier operations with other naval modernization priorities, such as submarines and frigates

INS Jatayu represents a major leap forward in India’s pursuit of a blue-water navy capable of safeguarding its interests across the Indo-Pacific region. As the carrier enters service and integrates with the fleet, it will serve as a powerful symbol of India’s growing maritime prowess and its commitment to becoming a net security provider in the region. While challenges remain, the successful completion of this ambitious project demonstrates India’s potential as a major player in the global defense industry.