New Delhi: The Fifth Annual Maritime Conference on ‘Aircraft Carriers in the Early 21st century: Doctrinal, Operational and Technological’ challenges saw the clouds clearing over these issues with spirited talks by the speakers and enlightening discussions. Organised by the National Maritime Foundation, the Conference brought together a range of speakers from nations that operate aircraft carriers.

Making a strong pitch in favour of the aircraft carriers and justifying the title of the Conference, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma in his inaugural address drew a direct connect between aircraft carrier and maritime power, and their contribution towards national power. “I choose my words carefully, talking about the relationship between aircraft carriers and maritime power, and not sea power, because aircraft carriers represent a diverse set of capabilities that transcend the narrow confines of ‘sea power’… as an instrument of national power, the wider span of naval operations involves a triad of naval roles, which include combat, diplomatic and constabulary functions. In each of these naval roles, aircraft carriers are decidedly the most substantial contributors in the wider gamut of naval operations.” Admiral Verma went on to address all the issues that surround the aircraft carriers right from the doctrinal changes to justification on their expenditure.