No, our Navy Carriers also will come with catapults for follow on class of 65,000 ton displacement.
Presently, we do not require it on Vikramaditya, as twin turbine power of Mig-29 + 12 degree ski ramp is sufficient for launch.
Having said that, catapult launch gives certain advantages in launch speed and payload. This was more critical in the 1980s, with single turbine Sea Harrier, no buddy re-fueling and A2A refuellers were available at the time.The Commander at sea had limited options at hand.
Today, with Mig-29 twin turbine power, buddy re-fuelling and refuellers available, even our Naval commanders have mix and match mission capability.
In future, our catapults will
probably be steam powered initially (tried and tested reliable stuff, many companies like Wilcox, ABB, BHEL having boiler technology). EMALs also under consideration, but new tech always has problems.
I can assure our Chinese friends no problem launching an Aircraft from a carrier deck, which is the main issue here.
(Thought 1:We should make a desi steam catapult first, and publicize it like the Chinese have done for EMAL.Release pics on the Internet , Spec Sheets, TV interviews with Team Leader, the works. It will add interest in desi defence solutions / jugaad/maverick kind of stuff. Separate EMAL team can be built later.)
(
Thought 2 amn hell, having a cold war type arms race with the Dragon can be expensive.Inspite of coming from a democratic country, I feel like a Soviet !. We need low cost methods for our Arms Race )