The Indian Navy’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) is a remarkable milestone in India’s naval history. Named the INS Vikrant, it’s the same name as the first indigenous aircraft carrier commissioned in 1997, more than 35 years of dedicated service before the current INS Vikrant. The landmark achievement places India on an exclusive list of nations capable of manufacturing their own aircraft carriers, which are vital components of naval fleets.
The INS Vikrant, or Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), was constructed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy. It’s the first indigenous aircraft carrier to be built in India, and its construction began in 1999, with the keel laid down in February 2009. The carrier’s design work and construction have been a significant undertaking that has seen the vessel launched on December 29, 2011, and finally commissioned on August 12, 2013. The basin trials were completed in December 2020, and the ship’s sea trials began on August 4th, 2021. It is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy’s service in August 2022. The total project cost is estimated at approximately $3.2 billion at the time of the first sea trials.
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The INS Vikrant boasts a length of 262 meters (860 feet), a width of 62 meters (203 feet), and a displacement of about 45,000 metric tons. It features a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) configuration, equipped with ski-jump for take-offs. The flight deck is designed to support various aircraft, including the Mikoyan MiG-29K, Kamov Ka-31, and Westland Sea King helicopters. The Ka-31 will function as an airborne early warning (AEW) platform, while the Sea King will provide anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.
To power the INS Vikrant, it is equipped with four General Electric LM2500+ gas turbine engines, producing over 80 megawatts (110,000 hp) of power. The propulsion systems for the carriers were designed and supplied by the Electric Engineer Company of Russia. The ship’s combat management system (CMS) was developed in collaboration with Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and MARS, Russia. This marks the first time that a private company has been involved in the development of a combat management system for the Indian Navy, officially handed over on March 28, 2019.
In conclusion, the INS Vikrant, India’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, represents a significant leap in the country’s naval capabilities. It is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defense production and its commitment to strengthening its naval forces for the challenges of the 21st century. The commissioning of the INS Vikrant marks a crucial milestone in India’s naval history and underscores the nation’s commitment to securing its maritime interests and ensuring regional stability.
