INS Vikrant’s new avatar expected in 2022
Will be the first and biggest 'Made In India' indigenous aircraft carrier
Indian Navy is all set to increase its strength by inducting INS Vikrant, India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) on water. The ship is expected to be fully handed over to the Indian Navy in 2022.
The indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) that will be christened INS Vikrant, after its decommissioned sibling, will be the biggest ship made in India. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Cochin port to review construction progress of INS Vikrant.
Describing INS Vikrant as “India’s pride and a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat” Mr. Singh tweeted, “Reviewed first-hand the ongoing work on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, which is India’s pride and a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The IAC has made significant progress. Commissioning of the IAC next year will be a befitting tribute to 75 years of India’s independence.”
Reviewed first-hand the ongoing work on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, which is India's pride and a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The IAC has made significant progress.
Commissioning of the IAC next year will be a befitting tribute to 75 years of India's independence. pic.twitter.com/N9542pJneq— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 25, 2021
He further added, “The combat capability, reach and versatility of the aircraft carrier will add formidable capabilities in the defence of our country and help secure India’s interests in the maritime domain.”
As per news reports, a total of 36 to 40 fighter aircraft can be deployed on INS Vikrant at a time. It will operate MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Kamov-31 air early warning Helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopter and indigenous advanced light Helicopters. It can accommodate 196 naval officers and 1149 sailors at a time. It will be powered by 4 OTO Melara 76 mm dual purpose cannons. Apart from this, 4 AK 630-point defence system guns will be installed.
During the two-days- visit to the Southern Naval Command, Rajnath Singh also visited Karwar Naval Base to review the progress of Project Seabird.
Visited Karwar Naval Base today to review the progress of ongoing infrastructure development under ‘Project Seabird’. I am confident that after the completion of this project, the Karwar Naval Base would become Asia's largest and most efficient Naval base. pic.twitter.com/8z6QcST4QM
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 24, 2021
At present India has only one aircraft carrier, named INS Vikramaditya.