In a major milestone, the sea trials of the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on Wednesday commenced. India has now joined the select group of countries including US, Russia, UK and France having the expertise to design and build the highly complex aircraft carriers.
Once it passes the sea trials, INS Vikrant is likely to be inducted into the Navy by the end of next year. The Navy on Wednesday described it as a “proud and historic day” and said India has joined a select group of countries having niche capability in this field of ship-building.
INS Vikrant is the largest and most complex warship to be built within the country. The 40,000-tonne aircraft carrier set off on its maiden sea trials, 50 years after its namesake played a major role in the 1971 war. It was built at a cost of more than Rs 23, 000 crores by the public sector Cochin Shipyard.
Once the extensive sea trials are over, the aircraft carrier will be put through the
stringent aviation trials before induction into service.
“It is a proud and historic day for India as the reincarnated Vikrant (IAC) sails for her maiden sea trials today in the 50th year of her illustrious predecessor’s key role in the victory in the 1971 war,” Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.
The aircraft carrier is around 262 metres long and 62 metres wide. In June, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the construction of the aircraft carrier that will be able to accommodate up to 30 fighter jets and helicopters.
The warship will have a fleet of Mig-29K fighter jets and Ka-31 helicopters.
There are 14 decks in all, including five in the superstructure. The ship has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1,700 people, including specialised cabins to accommodate women officers.