a schematic representation of ins vikrant.
in 1989 india announced plan replace ageing british-built aircraft carriers, vikrant , viraat, 2 new 28,000 ton air defence ships (ads) operate bae sea harrier aircraft. first vessel replace vikrant, set decommission in 1997. construction of ads start @ cochin shipyard (csl) in 1993 after indian naval design organisation had translated design study production model. following 1991 economic crisis, plans construction of vessels put on hold indefinitely.
in 1999, defence minister george fernandes revived project , sanctioned construction of project 71 ads. time, given ageing sea harrier fleet, letter of intent called carrier carry more modern jet fighters. in 2001, csl released graphic illustration showing 32,000-ton stobar (short take-off arrested recovery) design pronounced ski jump. aircraft carrier project received formal government approval in january 2003. then, design updates called 37,500 ton carrier operate mig-29k. india opted three-carrier fleet consisting of 1 carrier battle group stationed on each seaboard, , third carrier held in reserve, in order continuously protect both flanks, protect economic interests , mercantile traffic, , provide humanitarian platforms in times of disasters, since carrier can provide self-generating supply of fresh water, medical assistance or engineering expertise populations in need assistance.
in august 2006, chief of naval staff, admiral arun prakash stated designation vessel had been changed air defence ship (ads) indigenous aircraft carrier (iac). euphemistic ads had been adopted in planning stages ward off concerns naval build-up. final revisions design increased displacement of carriers 37,500 tons on 40,000 tons. length of ship increased 252 metres (827 ft) on 260 metres (850 ft).
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