The Navy’s approach compels the Indian aircraft carrier to withdraw rapidly.
The Pakistan Navy’s formidable Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD) policy compelled India’s esteemed aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to retreat to its home port, as seen by satellite imagery.
Recent satellite imagery from April 26, 2025, indicates that INS Vikrant, which had recently departed into the Arabian Sea, was observed anchored near India’s Karwar Naval Base.
The carrier’s abrupt withdrawal from proximity to Pakistani seas, following its initial deployment amid escalating tensions, has elicited considerable scrutiny.
Reports indicate that the persistent presence and vigilant surveillance by the Pakistani Navy raised concerns inside the Indian Navy, compelling them to withdraw their flagship vessel to safer waters.
The excitement generated by Indian media around Vikrant’s deployment has now diminished. Given Pakistan’s lethal “carrier killer” missile system patrolling the waters, remaining exposed was evidently a formula for catastrophe, necessitating withdrawal as the sole option.
