Indian Navy is inclined to fit the under development Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (Emals) on its new aircraft carriers, instead of ski jumps.
Emals is currently being developed by General Atomics for future US aircraft carriers.
Both, the currently operational but aging INS Viraat, and the on-order-since-for-ever INS Vikramaditya are fitted with ski jumps to assist take off.
"When catapult technology improves, we are looking at building conventional carriers with electric rather than steam catapults," says former Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Sureesh Mehta.
The Navy has projected a requirement of at least five carriers to effectively patrol the country's 7,500 km. (4,660 mi.) coastline.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is currently building INS Vikrant, a 40,000 ton aircraft carrier designed with the help of Italian company Fincantieri under Project 71. Work on the second aircraft carrier is expected to start before the first one is delivered to the Navy by the end of 2014.