INS Vikrant: The Indian Navy on Thursday delivered the country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier ‘Vikrant’ from its builder Cochin Shipyard Limited ahead of its scheduled commissioning next month. The aircraft carrier, built at a cost of around Rs 20,000 crore, successfully completed the fourth and final phase of sea trials three weeks ago.
With the delivery of ‘Vikrant’, India has joined a select group of countries that have the capability to indigenously design and build aircraft carriers. The Indian Navy described the delivery of the indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) as “historic” as it coincides with celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
The warship is ready to operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters and MH-60R multi-role helicopters. It has over 2,300 coaches, designed for a crew of about 1700 people, including special cabins to accommodate women officers. The Vikrant has a top speed of about 28 knots and cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 knots. The IAC is 262 meters long, 62 meters wide and has a height of 59 meters. Its construction began in 2009 and the ship is said to be powered by four gas turbines with a total power of 88 MW and a maximum speed of 28 knots.
“The Indian Navy today created maritime history by taking delivery of the iconic IAC Vikrant from its manufacturer Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL),” the Navy said in a statement.
The IAC project has been implemented under three phases of contract between the Ministry of Defense and Cochin Shipyard Limited, commencing in May 2007 and the keel of the ship was laid in February 2009.
“With an overall indigenous content of 76 per cent, the IAC is a perfect example of the country’s quest for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and emphasizes on the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative,” the Navy said.
“The ship will be capable of operating an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft consisting of MIG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters in addition to indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and light combat aircraft. LCA) (Navy),” the Navy said.
The Navy said the aircraft carrier would be inducted soon and would strengthen India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a blue water navy. The aircraft carrier is expected to be commissioned on August 15.
“The Vikrant is built with a high degree of automation for machinery operations, ship navigation and survivability, and is designed to accommodate an assortment of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft,” the Navy said.
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