Just having an aircraft carrier isn't enough. The Indian Navy's CBG (Carrier Battle Group) usually consists of two destroyers (usually of the Delhi Class, previously Kashins were used) and two or more frigates, (usually a combination of Brahmaputra, Talwar or Shivalik class) and one support ship and possibly a submarine. The question is, would this battle group be viable for sea control in the Indian Ocean or South China Sea?
Let's take a look at a typical US Navy CSG (Carrier Strike Group):
> A supercarrier, which is the centerpiece of the strike group and also serves as the flagship for the CSG Commander and his staff.
> A carrier air wing (CVW) typically consisting of up to nine squadrons including AWACs.
> One to two Aegis guided missile cruisers (CG), of the Ticonderoga class—a multi-mission surface combatant, equipped with BGM-109 Tomahawk missiles for long-range strike capability.
> A destroyer squadron (DESRON) commanded by a surface community captain (O-6) who commands the escort destroyers, with two to three guided missile destroyers (DDG), of the Arleigh Burke class—a multi-mission surface combatant, used primarily for anti-aircraft (AAW) and anti-submarine (ASW) warfare, but which also carries Tomahawk missiles for long-range strike capability.
> Two to three attack submarines, usually of the Los Angeles-class used to screen the strike group against hostile surface ships and submarines, but which also carry Tomahawk missiles for long-range strike capability.
> A combined ammunition, oiler and supply ship (AOE/AOR), usually Supply-class (T-AOE); provides logistic support.
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group
India's CBGs just having a couple of destroyers and one or two frigates is a formality. Unless we are fully equipped on the lines of the American CSGs it would just be a charade to show the world we are a 'blue water' navy! So, do we have the wherewithal for a lethal and potent CBG? The jury is out on that one!
