India to build a third aircraft carrier, INS Vishar, has sparked strategic speculation and financial concerns
The Indian Navy recently announced that it plans to build a third aircraft carrier, which is expected to be completed in 2020. The new aircraft carrier, named INS Vishar, will be the largest and most complete aircraft carrier in India's history. It is expected to carry about 57 warplanes, far more than existing Indian aircraft carriers. In addition, India plans to install electromagnetic catapult systems on new aircraft carriers to improve takeoff efficiency and the carrying capacity of carrier-based aircraft.
However, building a third aircraft carrier is not just a strategic move; it also poses some financial concerns. The construction and maintenance of aircraft carriers costs billions of dollars and is a heavy economic burden for India. India is considering buying fighter jets from abroad, such as the F/A-18 in the United States or the Rafale in France, but this will further increase spending. While aircraft carriers can be the hallmark of a maritime power, it is still questionable whether they can actually be used in combat and have real influence.
For India, aircraft carriers exist primarily to defend against rather than attack the enemy. The aircraft carrier is not only a symbol of military power, but also to maintain the operation of shipyards and the employment of workers. However, in a realistic strategic environment, the actual role of aircraft carriers may be limited. Pakistan, as a neighboring country, will also seek ways to counter Indian aircraft carriers, such as the use of submarines and anti-ship missiles. In addition, Pakistan's land-based aircraft will also pose a significant threat to the Indian Navy, forcing India to allocate limited aircraft for defense.
In any case, the third aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy will still have an impact on the regional strategic landscape. India may use aircraft carriers to impose a blockade on Pakistan, or use aircraft carriers to strike and deter the Pakistani army after the army and air force have weakened it. However, building aircraft carriers is not the only solution for India to solve its strategic problems, and other, more cost-effective warships may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the construction of India's aircraft carrier was a decision that was both symbolic and financially stressful. In any case, India must seriously consider the sustainability of its naval strategy and find ways to balance military and economic power.
