June 17, 2023:  The exercise involved over 35 aircraft and various surface ships and submarines, as confirmed by a press release from the Indian Navy. The successful demonstration of two-carrier battle group operations underscored the critical role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority.

India’s capability for dual-carrier operations was made possible with the commissioning of INS Vikrant last year, joining the previously acquired INS Vikramaditya. While China and the United Kingdom also commissioned domestically built carriers in recent years, neither has conducted dual-carrier operations, giving India a notable advantage in experience and expertise in aircraft carrier operations.

India’s naval history dates back to 1961, when it commissioned its first aircraft carrier, followed by a second in 1987. The Indian Navy operated two aircraft carriers from 1987 to 1997 and 2013 to 2017.

The Indian Navy referred to the carriers as “floating sovereign airfields” that reassure regional partners about India’s commitment to collective security. The Navy has been strengthening cooperation with other navies in the Indo-Pacific, including through exercises like the Malabar naval exercises involving the Quad partners: the United States, Japan, and Australia. These collaborative engagements have expanded the Indian Navy’s operational knowledge and experience in open ocean environments.

India’s focus on naval expansion and modernization stems from concerns about China’s aggression along the shared Himalayan border and its growing presence in the Indian Ocean. The recent dual-carrier operation showcased India’s commitment to addressing these security concerns.

However, questions still need to be answered about the operational capabilities of India’s carrier program. Observers noted that the number of fighter aircraft on the decks of INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant needed to be higher, suggesting potential constraints regarding aircraft availability or ship capacities. Additional carrier aircraft are required to enhance India’s carrier strike capability further.

As India continues to strengthen its naval capabilities, learning from the United States’ experiences and expertise in dual-carrier operations could prove valuable. With the US Navy considering China a significant threat in the Indo-Pacific, India’s naval operations also take into account the evolving regional dynamics.

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