India could build its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as part of a 15-year defense modernization announced in September 2025 that also includes the Indian Navy using domestically made fighter jets for the first time.
Bordered by China and Pakistan, both of which India has clashed with in recent years, New Delhi is increasingly enlisting domestic defense companies to bolster capabilities and cut dependence on foreign suppliers such as Russia.
“As the nation stands on the threshold of embracing greater challenges and responsibilities in the forthcoming decades, it is but imperative that the Services be equipped accordingly,” India’s Defence Ministry stated. “Greater private-public sector partnership is thus the road ahead.”
India operates two aircraft carriers, one of Russian origin and the other built domestically. The proposed carrier is expected to be nuclear-powered, a first for India, for longer range and stealthier operations.
The defense plan outlines the need for at least 10 nuclear-propulsion systems to support the carrier and other future warships, underscoring India’s ambition to expand its strategic reach across the Indian Ocean.
India also plans to induct an unspecified number of twin-engine, deck-based fighters and light combat aircraft, both being developed by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
In April 2025, India signed an $8 billion deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine twin- and single-seat jets, made by Dassault Aviation, to be deployed on the Indian Navy carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
India wants 62 Rafale jets in service by 2030, including 36 for the Air Force that started arriving in 2020. Currently, the carriers deploy a fleet of Soviet-origin MiG-29K.
The defense plan anticipates procuring two electromagnetic aircraft launch systems, developed for the United States Navy, to replace steam catapults aboard the carriers.
The plan also emphasizes drones, which played a key role in India’s military clash with Pakistan in May 2025.
India, which has budgeted $77 billion for defense in the current fiscal year, is the world’s fourth-biggest defense spender after the U.S., China and Russia, according to the World Bank.
About the Author
