INS VISHAL

INS Vishal is a planned supercarrier for the Indian Navy, also known as Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 3 (IAC-3), that would significantly boost India's naval power. Though development has been subject to delays and design changes, recent announcements indicate that planning is moving forward on a new, more advanced vessel.

Key features

Supercarrier size: Vishal is expected to be a new class of carrier, much larger than the current INS Vikrant, displacing between 65,000 and 75,000 tonnes. This would allow it to carry more aircraft and larger support planes.

Advanced launch system: The carrier is expected to be the first in the Indian Navy to use a CATOBAR (Catapult-Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system, specifically the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). This would allow it to launch heavier aircraft with more fuel and weapons than the ski-jump system used on India's other carriers.

Nuclear propulsion: After initially considering conventional power, recent reports indicate the Indian Ministry of Defence has outlined a new 15-year roadmap that includes building a nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier, likely to be Vishal. This would provide it with greater endurance at sea without needing frequent refueling.

Indigenous technology: While the design has involved input and technology from international partners like the United States, India is indigenously developing key systems, such as the EMALS, with efforts led by organizations like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Expanded air wing: With its CATOBAR system, Vishal could operate a more extensive and advanced air wing. In addition to naval fighter aircraft like the indigenous TEDBF, the carrier would be capable of deploying larger airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).