New Delhi. It is still too early to write off aircraft carriers since shore-based air operations are still limited by range, said former Navy Chief Sunil Lanba.

Speaking at an event here on December 17, he said aircraft carriers continue to bear huge influence at sea and that, “a carrier battle group is a composite group of ships (including the aircraft carrier and submarines)…it brings huge capability to bear influence out at sea. So, in my opinion, it is too early to write off the aircraft carrier.”

“There is a segment all over the world, especially of the air forces, which talks of the vulnerability of the aircraft carrier and (say that) shore-based air forces and aircraft can do what can be done. But they are limited by range,” he said.