INS Vikrant Commissioned: A Giant Leap for India’s Naval Defense
In a historic milestone for India’s maritime defense sector, the INS Vikrant, the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, has been officially commissioned into the Indian Navy. Built entirely in India under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, this state-of-the-art warship symbolizes a new era of self-reliance, innovation, and naval dominance.
With over 75% of its components made in India, INS Vikrant places India among a select group of countries capable of designing, developing, and operating aircraft carriers.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Name: INS Vikrant (IAC-1)
- Commissioned Date: 2 September 2022
- Built By: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kerala
- Made in India: Over 75% indigenous components
- Estimated Cost: ₹23,000 crore
- Aircraft Capacity: Up to 30, including MiG-29K & MH-60R
- Length: 262 meters | Displacement: 43,000 tonnes
- Speed: 28+ knots | Endurance: 7,500 nautical miles
Air Wing Capabilities: Fighter Jets, Helicopters & Future Upgrades
The air operations on INS Vikrant are powered by a modern STOBAR system (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery), allowing it to launch and recover fighter jets and helicopters efficiently.
Aircraft Operated:
- Fighter Jets: MiG-29K (currently)
- Helicopters: MH-60R Seahawk, Kamov Ka-31
- Future: HAL Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) under development
Its ski-jump assisted deck and arrestor wires allow for efficient aircraft operations even in combat situations.
Engineering Marvel: Specifications & Propulsion
INS Vikrant is a floating fortress with cutting-edge systems and massive power output. Designed by the Indian Navy’s own Warship Design Bureau, the ship is a product of advanced naval engineering.
Core Specs:
- Gas Turbines: 4 × General Electric LM2500+
- Maximum Speed: Over 28 knots
- Range: 7,500 nautical miles
- Crew: 1,600 personnel, including women officers
- Decks: 14 total (including 5 for aviation)
Defense Systems Onboard
The warship comes equipped with multi-layered defense to counter aerial and missile threats. Its onboard systems include:
- Barak-1 Surface-to-Air Missiles
- AK-630 Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
- Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite
- Surveillance and Fire Control Radars
These technologies ensure superior maritime dominance, rapid threat response, and operational safety.
Made in India: A Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat
Over 550 Indian companies contributed to the construction of INS Vikrant, ranging from MSMEs to major defense manufacturers. This project generated employment for over 2,000 personnel at Cochin Shipyard and nearly 15,000 indirectly.
Key indigenous components:
- Steel (developed with SAIL and DRDO)
- Cabling and piping systems
- Radar and navigation tech
- HVAC and power distribution units
Why INS Vikrant Matters to India’s Naval Future
With rising global maritime tensions, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, INS Vikrant is a vital asset for India’s defense readiness and blue-water navy aspirations. It boosts India’s ability to:
- Protect sea lanes and trade routes
- Respond to regional threats quickly
- Engage in humanitarian and disaster relief missions
- Balance strategic competition with China in the Indian Ocean
With INS Vikramaditya already in service, INS Vikrant enables the Indian Navy to maintain dual-carrier operations, providing continuous coverage across both the eastern and western maritime zones.
What’s Next: Future Plans for INS Vikrant
The Indian Navy plans to:
- Fully integrate the MiG-29K fleet and MH-60R helicopters by 2025
- Equip INS Vikrant with TEDBF jets by the early 2030s
- Potentially add INS Vishal, a nuclear-powered carrier, to the fleet in the future
INS Vikrant is also expected to participate in upcoming joint naval exercises with friendly nations like the U.S., Japan, Australia, and France under Quad and Indo-Pacific strategies.
Final Word
INS Vikrant is more than a warship – it is a symbol of national pride, self-reliance, and rising geopolitical strength. As the Indian Navy sails into a new era, Vikrant leads the way—powered by homegrown technology, Indian talent, and global ambition.
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