India’s Three-Carrier Vision: Navy Pushes for IAC-II Despite Nuclear Submarine Focus

The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its commitment to building a second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II), even as the country accelerates its nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program. While recent media reports speculated that the ₹40,000 crore ($4.8 billion) SSN project approved in January 2025 might divert resources from IAC-II, Navy officials have refuted such claims, emphasizing that both initiatives are essential to India’s maritime strategy.

The proposed IAC-II, a 45,000-tonne conventionally powered carrier, is envisioned as a follow-up to INS Vikrant (IAC-I), India's first domestically built aircraft carrier. This move aligns with the Navy’s long-term goal of maintaining a three-carrier fleet, ensuring that at least two are operational at all times while the third undergoes maintenance. With INS Vikramaditya, the Russian-origin carrier, expected to retire by the mid-2030s, the urgency for IAC-II has increased.

Strategic Imperatives: Carrier vs. Submarine Debate

The need for IAC-II is driven by the evolving security landscape in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China’s growing naval presence, coupled with Pakistan’s ambitions, necessitates a strong power projection capability. Aircraft carriers serve as mobile airbases, enabling India to maintain sea control, conduct long-range strike missions, and support joint operations.

While SSNs are crucial for undersea warfare—tracking adversary submarines, enforcing blockades, and securing sea lanes—carriers provide an unmatched ability to dominate surface and aerial domains. The Indian Navy has argued that submarines and carriers serve distinct roles and are not interchangeable.

A senior naval official explained, “Submarines provide stealth and denial capability, while aircraft carriers ensure sustained presence, deterrence, and rapid response.” The Navy’s vision for a future force structure includes three aircraft carriers and 18 SSNs by 2047, ensuring a balanced maritime force.

Advancing Carrier Capabilities with IAC-II

Designed to improve upon Vikrant, IAC-II will incorporate advancements in aviation technology, including the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and strike missions. While retaining the Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system and ski-jump, modifications will enhance its ability to operate modern aircraft. The Navy’s ongoing Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, intended to replace the MiG-29K fleet, could see its first operational deployment on IAC-II.

The estimated cost of IAC-II stands at ₹50,000 crore ($6 billion), and the Navy is pushing for Ministry of Defence (MoD) approval to initiate construction by 2027. Unlike Vikrant, which took 13 years due to funding and technical delays, IAC-II is expected to be completed within a decade. Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), having gained expertise from Vikrant’s construction, is likely to lead the project.

Budgetary Constraints and Future Outlook

Despite the operational necessity of IAC-II, financial limitations pose a challenge. The Navy’s capital budget of ₹2.5 lakh crore ($30 billion) over the next decade must cover multiple priorities, including 62 warships, the SSN program, and next-generation naval aircraft.

To mitigate this, a phased approach has been proposed—advancing IAC-II in the near term while spreading SSN development over two decades. This strategy ensures that India does not compromise on either capability while managing budgetary constraints.

Conclusion: A Balanced Naval Expansion

The Indian Navy’s unwavering pursuit of IAC-II, alongside the SSN program, underscores its commitment to becoming a formidable blue-water force. As geopolitical tensions in the IOR rise, India’s ability to maintain strategic dominance will hinge on a balanced mix of surface and subsurface assets. With both projects deemed indispensable, the Navy’s vision of a three-carrier fleet and a robust submarine force remains firmly on track.