Carrier Confrontation: Separating Fact from Fiction in the Indo-Pakistani Naval Showdown

The Indo-Pakistani naval rivalry has been a longstanding concern for both nations, with each side vying for dominance in the Indian Ocean. Recently, a retired Pakistani Navy officer, Commander Anees Khan, made headlines by claiming that India's INS Vikrant, the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier, is too small and its MiG-29K fighter jets are outdated. However, these claims must be put into perspective, considering the actual size and capabilities of a carrier battle group (CBG).

A CBG is not just a single aircraft carrier, but a complex formation of warships, including destroyers, cruisers, frigates, and submarines, as well as maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and surveillance systems operated by the Indian military. In 2025, India deployed a Vikrant-led Carrier Battle Group, which was part of the wider Western Fleet that numbered 36 frontline warships during the Indo-Pakistani conflict, Operation Sindoor. This is significant, as an attack on a carrier itself will always be a challenging endeavor.

Pakistan would have to penetrate the Indian CBG's defensive perimeter and overcome the challenge of the carrier's own defenses in order to damage Vikrant. The criticism in regards to the MiG-29K is partially valid, as the aircraft's presence aboard INS Vikrant is indeed questionable. India's MiG-29K fleet has seen operational use since more than a decade ago and is plagued by numerous issues. Nevertheless, the MiG-29K remains a viable multi-role fighter that can engage various targets, including other aircraft and surface vessels.

In particular, 15 MiG-29Ks were deployed to Vikrant during the 2025 conflict. The primary means of anti-carrier warfare for Pakistan would involve its submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, and various warships. India's own anti-ship capabilities are rather formidable at the regional level, including its anti-ship missiles, submarines, and the P-8I aircraft. The battle for naval supremacy is heating up, and INS Vikrant is at the forefront.

The outcome of a potential carrier-to-carrier confrontation would be decided by which nation's forces can spot the enemy first, maintain contact, and bring their firepower to bear. The Indian Navy's CGB has numerous options at its disposal, including its own carrier aircraft, warships, and support from the P-8I aircraft. In short, it would be an overwhelming force against Pakistan's naval assets.

The assessment made by Commander Anees Khan is demonstrably correct when it comes to one aspect of a potential Indo-Pakistani conflict. The Indian Navy would be hard-pressed to respond to a Pakistani advance due to its CGB's limited numbers. Nevertheless, claiming that Pakistan can 'easily handle' Vikrant is demonstrably wrong, as it ignores the vast array of anti-carrier assets that the Indian Navy can deploy.

The Carrier Battle Group: A Complex Formation

A CBG is not just a single aircraft carrier, but a complex formation of warships, including destroyers, cruisers, frigates, and submarines, as well as maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and surveillance systems operated by the Indian military.

The MiG-29K: A Viable Multi-Role Fighter

India's MiG-29K fleet has seen operational use since more than a decade ago and is plagued by numerous issues. Nevertheless, the MiG-29K remains a viable multi-role fighter that can engage various targets, including other aircraft and surface vessels.

Anti-Ship Capabilities: A Formidable Force

India's own anti-ship capabilities are rather formidable at the regional level, including its anti-ship missiles, submarines, and the P-8I aircraft. The battle for naval supremacy is heating up, and INS Vikrant is at the forefront.

The Outcome of a Carrier-to-Carrier Confrontation

The outcome of a potential carrier-to-carrier confrontation would be decided by which nation's forces can spot the enemy first, maintain contact, and bring their firepower to bear.

Key Takeaways

• INS Vikrant is not a solo act, but part of a massive Carrier Battle Group.
• The MiG-29K is a viable multi-role fighter, but its presence aboard INS Vikrant is questionable.
• India's anti-ship capabilities are rather formidable at the regional level.
• The outcome of a potential carrier-to-carrier confrontation would be decided by which nation's forces can spot the enemy first, maintain contact, and bring their firepower to bear.
• The Indian Navy's CGB has numerous options at its disposal, including its own carrier aircraft, warships, and support from the P-8I aircraft.