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Naval
Forces News - India |
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INS
Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, officially launched |
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India on Monday launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS
Vikrant, at Cochin Shipyard in the South West of the country. Minister
of Defence, Arakkaparambil Kurian Anthony said the Navy's capabilities
must be enhanced to ensure that it maintains "high operational
preparedness to thwart any likely misadventure against our national
interest." |
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Artist impression of INS Vikrant
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The
launch of the 37,500-tonnes, 260 metres long and is 60 metres wide vessel
is behind schedule by three years. It is expected to start its sea trials
in 2016 before being commissioned into the Indian Navy by the end 2018 |
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INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard in Kochi. About 83% of the fabrication
work and 75% of the construction work has been completed at the time
of launch. The rest of the work, including the flight deck, will be
completed after the launch.
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Maximum
speed of the ship is announced at 28 knots, the ship reported range
is 7,500 nautical miles at a speed of 18 knots. INS Vikrant is set to
receive a large crew complement composed of 160 officers and 1,400 sailors.
The aircraft carrier will be able to accommodate 30 fighters and helicopters,
including Mig-29K fighters and Ka-31 helicopters . |
