Carrier Air Group
India considered a number of aircraft for operation from its INS Vikramaditya and the planned indigenous aircraft carrier. India evaluated the Russian Sukhoi Su-33, but settled on the lighter Mikoyan MiG-29K as the Vikramaditya was smaller and lacked an aircraft catapult. It is likely that the first of the Vikrant class carriers will also operate the Mig-29K.
On 18 January 2010, it was reported that India and Russia were close to signing a deal for 29 Mig 29K fighters to operate from IAC1. In addition, the navy signed a deal for six naval-variants of the HAL Tejas.
In June 2012 Flight magazine, quoting sources, reported that the Indian Navy was considering the use of Rafale M (Naval variant) on the IAC. The Rafale M is almost the same size as the MiG-29K, but packs a much greater punch.
The Navy has earlier indicated it prefers the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (Emals) on its new aircraft carriers. INS Vishal will feature steam catapults for operating larger fighter aircraft, and carry an airborne early-warning (AEW) system and aerial refuelers.
The Navy wants a greater variety of aircraft to operate from the second ship, including heavier surveillance aircraft.
Read more about this topic: Vikrant Class Aircraft Carrier
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