Major European defense contractors, BAE Systems from the UK and French Naval Group, are competing to co-develop India’s upcoming 65,000-ton aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, as part of India’s strategic aim to operationalize a three-carrier strike group by 2035. The Indian Navy is advancing from the current IAC-I (INS Vikrant) through the IAC-II, with the roadmap emphasizing nuclear propulsion and modern launch technologies for IAC-III. The British proposal highlights a focus on Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) and interoperability with F-35B jets, while France offers expertise in nuclear propulsion, potentially leading to a collaborative hybrid solution. This development underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.