India's carrier choice: Gorshkov, Kitty Hawk, or domestic construction

In 2005-2007, should India have chosen Admiral Gorshkov or Kitty Hawk?

Kitty Hawk is tempting with hindsight, but the preferred alternative is earlier domestic carrier construction to strengthen Indian shipbuilding and produce a more consistent carrier force.

With hindsight about the Admiral Gorshkov conversion, Kitty Hawk is an attractive alternative in the proposed 2005-2007 decision. Earlier investment in an Indian-built carrier is ultimately preferred. The long interval between acquiring Gorshkov and bringing her into service is treated as time in which domestic construction could have advanced. Vikrant is used to argue that India possessed a credible path toward building its own carriers, although the proposed earlier timetable remains counterfactual. A series of similar ships could have provided greater commonality than operating two substantially different carriers. The procurement decision is also connected to India's confidence in its own ability to construct complex warships.