Q&A · 3:56:16-3:56:45

Are India's 45,000-ton carriers too small?

A 45,000-ton carrier is considered adequate for working up India's fleet, with roughly 65,000 tons suggested as a later aim.

Question

Are India's 45,000-ton aircraft carriers too small compared with Chinese carriers?

Short answer

They are not supercarriers, but they are adequate for building fleet experience; roughly 65,000 tons is a more suitable later target.

Notes

The 45,000-ton ships are considered adequate for working up India's carrier fleet. They are distinguished from supercarriers, and the discussion also states that China was not yet operating supercarriers. Roughly 65,000 tons is suggested as a size to aim for later. The smaller ships are accepted as suitable for India's immediate stage of development.