NEW DELHI, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Indian navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh Tuesday said the navy was procuring 41 ships and its long-term plan is to have three aircraft carriers.

Singh was speaking during an annual press conference of Indian navy in New Delhi, the capital city of India.

"The navy's long-term capability plan envisages induction of three aircraft carriers so that two CBG's carrier battle groups are available for disperse and deployment at all times," Singh said.

According to Singh, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, IAC-I INS Vikrant will be fully operational by 2022 and it will operate with the MiG-29K.

The navy chief said they have thwarted 44 piracy attempts and apprehended 120 pirates during its anti-piracy operations.