Synopsis
- At the heart of this redesign is the concept of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), a framework that allows fighter aircraft to act as airborne controllers for multiple unmanned systems.
The Indian Navy is actively redesigning its second indigenous aircraft carrier, IAC-2, to support unmanned aerial vehicle operations alongside conventional fighter jets, with formal clearance expected in 2026. The shift reflects a major doctrinal evolution as India moves toward integrating manned and unmanned airpower at sea.
Unlike earlier concepts that envisioned a much larger 65,000-tonne supercarrier, the current IAC-2 plan focuses on a more practical 45,000-tonne platform derived from INS Vikrant. This “repeat order with upgrades” approach allows the Navy to save time, reduce costs, and fast-track induction while still incorporating next-generation combat capabilities.
IAC-2 Project: Operational Highlights
- Design Model: A 45,000-tonne repeat design based on INS Vikrant to ensure faster construction and proven performance.
- Primary Capability: Hybrid flight deck optimized for both fixed-wing fighters like Rafale-M and future UAV swarms.
- Strategic Goal: Advancing India’s three-carrier doctrine to maintain continuous carrier availability.
- Shipbuilder: Cochin Shipyard Limited is expected to lead construction using modular shipbuilding techniques.
- Timeline: Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Ministry of Defence is targeted by late 2026.
IAC-2 Technical Specifications (Projected 2026 Blueprint)
| Specification | Details |
| Total Displacement | ~45,000 Tonnes |
| Long Tonnes | ~44,289 Long Tons |
| Short Tonnes | ~49,604 Short Tons |
| Length | 262 Meters (860 Feet) |
| Width (Beam) | 62 Meters (203 Feet) |
| Height | 59 Meters (194 Feet) |
| Draft | 8.4 Meters (28 Feet) |
| Propulsion System | COGAG (Combined Gas and Gas) |
| Engine Type | 4 × General Electric LM2500 Gas Turbines |
| Total Power Output | 88 MW (Approximately 120,000 hp) |
| Top Speed | 28+ Knots (approx. 52 km/h) |
| Operational Range | 7,500 – 8,000 Nautical Miles |
| Ship Complement | ~1,600 Personnel (including Air Wing) |
Air Wing & Role Breakdown
The IAC-2 is designed to carry a balanced air wing of 30–35 aircraft. Unlike previous carriers, the deck and hangar are being modified for High-Volume UAV Operations.
| Role | Aircraft Model | Quantity (Est.) |
| Primary Strike/Air Superiority | Rafale-M (or MiG-29K) | 20–26 |
| Airborne Early Warning (AEW) | Kamov Ka-31 | 2–4 |
| Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) | MH-60R Seahawk | 4–6 |
| Search & Rescue / Utility | HAL Dhruv (ALH) or Chetak | 2–4 |
| Unmanned Support (UAV) | MALE Class UAVs (Jet-powered/Prop) | 4–8 |
At the heart of this redesign is the concept of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), a framework that allows fighter aircraft to act as airborne controllers for multiple unmanned systems. In practical terms, carrier-based jets such as the Rafale-M will not just perform strike or air defense roles but will also coordinate surveillance, targeting, and potentially combat missions executed by UAVs.
This transition demands significant changes to the carrier’s architecture. While the hull and overall layout may resemble INS Vikrant, key systems are being reworked. Arrestor gear, deck handling systems, and onboard electronics are expected to be upgraded to accommodate a mix of heavy manned fighters and lighter unmanned platforms. This hybrid deck philosophy is becoming central to modern naval aviation, where flexibility often outweighs sheer size.
Another critical factor shaping IAC-2 is timing. The Navy is working against the projected retirement window of INS Vikramaditya in the mid-2030s. Without a replacement ready, India risks a capability gap that could undermine its maritime posture in the Indian Ocean Region. By opting for a refined Vikrant-class design instead of waiting for a more ambitious supercarrier, the Navy is prioritizing operational continuity over experimental scale.
Indigenisation remains a strong pillar of the project. INS Vikrant already achieved around 76% indigenous content, and IAC-2 is expected to push that figure beyond 85%. This aligns closely with India’s broader defense manufacturing push, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers while strengthening domestic industry capabilities.
From a strategic standpoint, the move toward UAV integration is not just about technology—it’s about adapting to future warfare. Unmanned systems can extend surveillance range, reduce pilot risk, and enable persistent operations in contested environments. When combined with carrier-based fighters under the MUM-T framework, they create a layered and resilient combat ecosystem.
Equally important is the signaling effect. By committing to a hybrid carrier design, India is aligning itself with emerging global naval trends, where flexibility, networked warfare, and unmanned systems are redefining sea power. It also reinforces India’s intent to remain a credible maritime force capable of securing its interests across a rapidly evolving Indo-Pacific landscape.
From an expert perspective, the IAC-2 redesign reflects a pragmatic balance between ambition and urgency. It avoids the delays associated with entirely new platforms while still embedding future-ready capabilities. If the 2026 AoN timeline holds, the project could mark a decisive step in India’s transition toward a more adaptive, technology-driven naval doctrine—one that blends proven platforms with the disruptive potential of unmanned warfare.
