Core Points - India has announced a 15-year defense plan focusing on military equipment procurement across the navy, army, and air force, with an emphasis on building an aircraft carrier and utilizing indigenous fighter jets [1][2] - The plan includes the potential construction of a third aircraft carrier, which would be India's first nuclear-powered carrier, enhancing operational range and stealth capabilities [2][3] - The Indian Navy aims to have three aircraft carriers to ensure deployment in both eastern and western Indian Ocean regions, with a focus on developing advanced capabilities [3][4] Naval Procurement Plans - The Indian Navy's procurement strategy includes equipping naval vessels with nuclear power, next-generation tanks, and unmanned combat systems [1] - The plan also involves the acquisition of new-generation twin-engine carrier-based fighters and light combat aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited [3][4] - India has signed a deal worth ₹630 billion (approximately $8 billion) with France for 26 naval versions of the Dassault Rafale jets, to be deployed on the existing aircraft carriers [3][4] Aircraft Carrier Development - The first indigenous aircraft carrier, Vikrant, was commissioned in September 2022, measuring 262 meters in length and displacing approximately 43,000 tons [2] - The second indigenous aircraft carrier, Vishal, is planned to have a displacement of over 60,000 tons and will feature advanced systems like electromagnetic catapults [3][5] - The Indian defense roadmap aims for 62 Rafale fighters to be operational by 2030, with current deployments relying on the Soviet-era MiG-29K fleet [4]

Group 1 - The Indian Ministry of Defense announced a 15-year defense plan focusing on military equipment procurement for the navy, army, and air force, prioritizing the construction of an aircraft carrier and potentially utilizing nuclear power [1][3] - The plan includes key procurement targets such as equipping naval vessels with nuclear power, next-generation tanks, and unmanned combat systems [1] - India is considering the construction of a third aircraft carrier, which would be its first nuclear-powered carrier, enhancing operational range and stealth capabilities [3] Group 2 - The first indigenous aircraft carrier, Vikrant, was commissioned in September 2022, measuring 262 meters in length and displacing approximately 43,000 tons, capable of carrying around 30 aircraft [5] - The Indian Navy aims to have three aircraft carriers to ensure deployment in both eastern and western directions of the Indian Ocean, with one available for rotation [5] - The 2025 roadmap includes plans for new-generation twin-engine carrier-based fighters and light combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited [6] Group 3 - India signed a deal worth ₹630 billion (approximately $8 billion) in April to purchase 26 naval versions of the Dassault Rafale fighter jets for deployment on its two aircraft carriers [6] - The goal is to have 62 Rafale fighters operational by 2030, including 36 already delivered to the air force, with current naval operations relying on the Soviet-origin MiG-29K fleet [7] - The roadmap also anticipates the procurement of two electromagnetic catapult systems for launching aircraft from carriers [7]