India may build a third nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as part of the 15-year plan for defence modernization announced on Friday. The plan also includes the first use of fighter jets made in India by the Navy.

New Delhi, which is bordered by China and Pakistan - strategic rivals with whom India has been in violent clashes in the past - relies more on its domestic defence companies in order to boost capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, such as Russia France and the United States.

The 2025 defence ministry roadmap stated that "as the nation prepares to take on greater challenges and responsibilities over the next decades, it's imperative that Services are equipped accordingly."

The road ahead is a greater partnership between the private and public sectors.

India operates two aircraft carriers. One is of Russian origin, and the other was built in-house. This carrier will be India's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which would allow for a longer range and stealthier operation.

The document highlights the requirement for at least ten nuclear propulsion systems in order to support future warships and the aircraft carrier, highlighting India's desire to extend its strategic reach into the Indian Ocean.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, a state-owned company, is developing a new generation of twin-engine deck-based fighters, as well as light combat aircraft for the Indian Navy.

India and France signed a deal in April worth 630 billion rupees ($8 billion) to purchase 26 Rafale Marine twin-seat and single-seat aircraft, manufactured by Dassault Aviation. These jets will be used on India's two carriers, INS Vikrant & INS Vikramaditya.

India hopes to have 36 Rafale jets for its air force in service by 2030. These started arriving in the year 2020. The carriers currently deploy a fleet MiG-29K of Soviet origin.

The roadmap also anticipates the procurement of two electromagnetic aircraft launch system, developed for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers to launch aircraft using electromagnetic forces rather than traditional steam catapults.

The report also puts a lot of emphasis on drones, which played a major role in the military conflict that took place with Pakistan's arch-enemy back in May.

In its budget for the fiscal year, India is expected to spend approximately 6.81 trillion rupees (77 billion dollars) on defense. According to World Bank statistics, India is the fourth largest defence spender in the world, after the United States and China. Reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi and Krishna N. Das; editing by Ros Russell

(source: Reuters)