INS Vikrant Conducts First Dual-Carrier Ops with INS Vikramaditya
For the first time in Indian naval history, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya executed synchronized Carrier Battle Group (CBG) operations in the Arabian Sea under Exercise Malabar 2025. This 72-hour high-intensity drill — involving India, US, Japan, and Australia — saw over 40 fixed-wing sorties launched in coordinated waves.
The exercise validated:
- Dual-carrier logistics: Fuel, munitions, and crew rotation across 80,000+ tonnes of steel
- Air traffic control fusion: Real-time deconfliction of Tejas-Navy, Rafale-M, and F/A-18 aircraft
- MDA Grid integration: Live sensor fusion from P-8I, Sea Guardian drones, and Project 17A frigates
A standout moment: Tejas-Navy Mk1 performed its first combat-configured ski-jump launch from Vikrant using indigenous Uttam AESA radar to guide an Astra BVR missile to a drone target at 80 km.
This drill builds on the India-Australia military synergy seen in AUSTRAHIND 2025, where Gorkha Rifles trained in counter-terrorism with Australian forces in Perth.
Strategic Impact: India now joins the US and China as the only nations capable of dual-carrier operations — a clear signal of blue-water dominance in the IOR.
