Government to procure 26 carrier-based fighters for INS Vikrant

New Delhi: The Government is buying 26 carrier-based fighters for soon to be commissioned indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on a government-to-government (G-to-G)basis on the recommendation of the Indian Navy. Out of the 26 aircraft, the Indian Navy wants 8 twin seater trainers, which can also be used in combat conditions.

While the flight test trials of options French Rafale-Marine have already been conducted at the Indian Navy's shore-based test facility in Goa this January, the trials of the US F-18 super hornet are expected to be completed by June 15.

Both the fighters are virtually of the same vintage and both the manufacturers have maintenance, repairs, and overhaul facilities in India.

Both the aircraft have undergone intensive trials at the test facility in Goa but have not landed on India's sole aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, as it is under major maintenance in Karwar and expected to start sailing later in June.

India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is undergoing sea trials and is expected to be commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2022.

According to sources, India is not looking to lease carrier-based fighters for INS Vikrant but will go for outright G-to-G purchase of these 26 carrier-based fighters from either French Dassault or US Boeing, based on the evaluation of the Indian Navy's aviation wing.

Both the companies have dealt with the Indian Air Force with Dassault selling Rafale fighters and Boeing selling P8I anti-submarine warfare platform, Chinook helicopters and C-17 heavy-lift aircraft. The two aircraft have proven track records with the F-18 being tested in the Afghan and Iraq wars by the US Navy.

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