On to the Gorshkov

The Cabinet decision to proceed with the acquisition of an aircraft carrier for the Navy has not come too soon. Most experts would argue that we should have started building an aircraft carrier more than 15 years ago, when we bought the last aircraft carrier, the Viraat, second-hand, as an “interim” solution. Unfortunately, not only the resource crunch, but the “Bofors Syndrome” even more so, simply derailed the process. We need to reflect on the realities that have slowed down defence modernisation for so long, and which in turn demand of our fighting men a price far higher than what they should be paying.

Partly because of the long delays in taking a decision on a major weapons system like the Gorshkov, it was inevitable that a debate would rage in the country — both among military professionals as well as within the strategic community. This is a welcome development since no democracy can afford to take major decisions concerning its defence without a level of informed public debate. The important point is that the debate about the Gorshkov has revolved around two issues. The first is about the need for a carrier, while the other is about the cost and wisdom of buying an old carrier. Yet, both sides of the debate have been arguing strongly in favour of providing adequate and capable air cover for the navy at sea. We can easily be misled by esoteric arguments for a blue or brown water navy. But we must recognise that any country that possesses legitimate naval interests away from its land, and can afford it, would need air power integral to the fleet.

Interestingly, the bipartisan Standing Committee on Defence has been pressing the government over the years to ensure that not only should no gap in the air cover for the Indian Navy be allowed to develop, but the country should move expeditiously toward ensuring adequate force levels. The present aircraft carrier would soon complete its usable life — numerous refits and upgrades notwithstanding. The Gorshkov would be ready to join the fleet on operational service only by that point. We need to remember that the cost factors are related to the systems that go on board, including two squadrons of MiG-29 multi-role combat aircraft similar to the three squadrons of MiG-29 operated by the IAF, providing a level of inter-operability in operational and maintenance terms. There is no point in not getting the best on an aircraft carrier that is expected to defend the navy for the next two decades under highly demanding situations.