India’s defence establishment has put forward a major long-term roadmap that underscores its ambition to field a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as the centrepiece of maritime expansion in the coming decade and a half.
India’s Aircraft Carrier Likely To Be Nuclear Powered
Strategic Roadmap
India’s defense roadmap reveals a clear intent to induct a nuclear-powered carrier, tentatively named INS Vishal, as the centerpiece of its blue-water navy expansion. Nuclear propulsion will extend operational endurance, increase power projection, and support greater stealth, allowing uninterrupted operations far from home ports in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
Timeline and Features
- Design and Feasibility (2026–2027): Initial studies with Naval Design Bureau and Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
- Prototype Reactor (2027–2028): Testing an indigenous large naval reactor overseen by BARC.
- Construction (2029–2030): Shipyard expansion prepares for carrier hull construction.
- Sea Trials and Commissioning (2033–2037): Carrier operational testing and formal induction expected in 2037.
- EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) planned for advanced launch capability.
- Carrier air wing to shift toward Indian-developed platforms, including TEDBF and AMCA variants.
National and Global Significance
If realized, India will join an exclusive group of nations—only the United States, France, Russia, and China operate or are building nuclear-powered carriers. The roadmap projects up to ten nuclear-powered ships, decentralizing India’s maritime strike capacity and reshaping its strategic posture.
Indigenous Focus
Alongside nuclear propulsion, India’s plan emphasizes self-reliance through indigenous fighter jets and increased public-private collaboration in the defense sector. New fighter aircraft such as TEDBF and AMCA, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, are expected to be deployed on carriers and gradually replace imported units.
India’s ambitious nuclear aircraft carrier program reflects an unprecedented leap in operational reach, deterrence, and technological self-sufficiency for its navy.
