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One of the Royal Navy's new £2bn aircraft carriers could be sold off under government cost-cutting plans, the Guardian has learned.
Old news, but that would be the only carrier that would be interesting for IN, because it could come around the time IAC2 is planned as well, so 2 new carriers at the same time. Also since we selected UK companies as partners in the development of IAC2, it could have much commonality to the QE2 class carriers.
However, I think they will share the second carrier with the French and their Rafales and will use it later with F35Cs, when they have money again.
I believe the first carrier will be used as a helicopter platform whilst waiting for the F-35s and the 2nd will be "mothballed" immedialty on completion or sold off (IN listen up). I don't know whether the IN is really interested thou and what would its air wing be in IN service? I don't think Mig-29k is an option, this is wher N-MMRCA or F-35 deals come in.
it's an STOVL carrier so untill 2018 when F-35B is available we won't have any aircraft capable of operating from it
we barely have sufficient Sea Harriers to operate from INS Viraat. we've tried procuring more to replenish our squadron but to no avail and by 2018 we can probably build a new ACIF it is on offer for India, it will be with Sea Harriers, but again I think IN has no interest in STOVL carriers and VTOL fighters anymore.
woah relax friend or as the old saying goes 'Hold ur horses' cause they'r overgalloping no offence intendedHMS Ark Royal is too light.
INS Vikramaditya-45,000 tons
IAC-1 is 40,000 tons.
IAC-2 will be 65,000 tons
IAC-3 who knows...
This one is a little heavier then Vikrant..
Indian Navy in the future is looking at heavier, bigger, longer, ACs.
Yes I read that earlier as well, but a 65000t carrier just for helicopters, without a landing dock...is a big waste of money and very expensive to operate. With the current situation of the UK, I would estimate either they share it (and the operational costs) with France, or sell it to us. Just said it on IDF, consider what impact it would have on MMRCA, if the UK would offer one of these carriers with STOBAR config + the co-development of IAC 2 based on the QE2 + Sea Typhoon development, which is aimed solely on India anyway!
This offer next to the EF partnership and the industrial and political advantages, would be hard to counter from the French, although the Rafale might be better and cheaper right? For GoI/MoD it surley would be very interesting, not sure about IAF and IN though.