The government is poised to give serious consideration to the Indian Navy’s suggestion to build a second aircraft carrier, estimated to cost around Rs 40,000 crore. This significant decision comes amidst growing concerns about China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean region. According to reliable sources within the government, the Defence Procurement Board (DPB), a crucial body within the defense ministry, has granted in-principle approval for this ambitious proposal, indicating the government’s willingness to proceed with the construction of the second indigenous aircraft carrier, referred to as IAC II.
The extensive procurement plan will soon be presented to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the top procurement authority within the defense ministry.
The DAC is also likely to consider the Indian Air Force’s proposal for procurement of an additional batch of 97 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft at a cost of Rs 1.15 lakh crore
The Navy has been making a strong push for having the IAC-II with a displacement of 45,000 tonnes which is estimated to cost close to Rs 40,000 crore with the envisaged specifications.
