In a significant step towards bolstering indigenous military capabilities, the Indian Navy has submitted a proposal to the government for the construction of a second aircraft carrier, reported ANI.

The project is slated to be executed by the Kochi-based public sector Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

The proposed carrier, designated as the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2), is part of India's commitment to self-reliance in the defense sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Aatmanirbharta" initiative.

The construction of this aircraft carrier in Cochin Shipyard Limited is expected to generate numerous direct and indirect job opportunities, once government approval is secured.

Notably, Prime Minister Modi commissioned the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in Kochi last year.

The Indian Navy has been advocating for three aircraft carriers to ensure at least one carrier is operational on each coast, with an aim to maintain a continous presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Additionally, the Indian Navy is set to receive 26 new Rafale fighter aircraft for INS Vikrant and is exploring the acquisition of indigenous Twin Engine Deck-based Fighter (TEDBF) aircraft for deployment across the three carriers.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar recently confirmed that INS Vikrant will be stationed in Visakhapatnam, with plans to achieve full operational status by November 2023.

The Indian Navy continues to make strides towards self-reliance, aiming for a domestically sourced security solution by 2047. To encourage this objective, the Navy actively supports start-ups and MSMEs and provides incentives to foster self-sufficiency.