While media paeans rightly acclaimed the fact that 76% of the carrier's overall ‘float’ content was local in origin, it is also true that nearly 70% of its ‘fight’ content and an equal proportion of its ‘move’ category is imported.
Already delayed by nearly seven years, the 40,000 tonne carrier will be commissioned later this month, but without its aviation flight complex that is critical to operating its combat air arm.
The most versatile, resourceful and strategic-minded of India’s three forces still faces a protracted battle over IAC-2, the projected companion for its first indigenously built aircraft carrier.
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