Say hello to India’s largest warship. It’s on its way

India has cleared the construction of its largest warship. The INS Vishal would weigh around 65,000 tonnes and may have nuclear capabilities. It’ll join the ranks of the navy in about a decade.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has invested Rs 30 crore to officially launch the project. The aircraft carrier-II (IAC-II) bears huge significance for the country as it’s competiting with China for the same strategic space in the Indian Ocean region. The latest warship would give India huge strategic advantage.

Aircraft carriers are the most powerful naval warfare equipment across the globe. They can travel 600 nautical miles a day with heavy arms on board. The INS Vishal would be able to launch fighter jets and heavier aircrafts from its deck.

The possible reasons behind India’s step could be the increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. It has commissioned its first carrier Liaoning in 2012 and is currently building four more, two regulars and two 90,000-tonne nuclear-powered super carriers.

Moreover, India’s INS Viraat will retire early next year. That leaves only INS Vikramaditya to lead the navy. The INS Vikrant is being built at the Cochin Shipyard, but will only be ready to join by 2018.

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