China and India race to expand aircraft carrier fleets

Regional rivals build up naval power to broaden Indo-Pacific options

20240108N India carrier

The INS Vikrant is commissioned in September 2022. The vessel is one of two aircraft carriers in the Indian Navy. © Reuters

YUKIO TAJIMA and SATOSHI IWAKI, Nikkei staff writers

BEIJING/NEW DELHI -- China and India are scrambling to expand their naval capabilities amid their growing rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region, making moves toward each putting a third aircraft carrier into service.

The latest footage of China's new Fujian aircraft carrier, aired by state broadcaster CCTV on Jan. 2, showed what appeared to be three catapult tracks on its deck.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.