Indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant inducted into Indian Navy’s Western Fleet.

According to information published by the Indian MoD on September 20, 2024, the Indian Navy has officially inducted the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, into its Western Fleet.
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Vikrant-class aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. (Picture source: Indian MoD)

The carrier is now part of a carrier battle group led by INS Vikramaditya, India's other flagship aircraft carrier. This battle group has begun multi-domain exercises in the Arabian Sea, showcasing dual-carrier operations.

INS Vikrant

Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Vikrant is the largest warship ever built in India, weighing approximately 45,000 tonnes and measuring around 262 meters in length. The ship's name pays tribute to its predecessor, the original INS Vikrant, which served with distinction during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.

The development and commissioning of INS Vikrant mark a pivotal shift in India's maritime strategy. It plays a critical role in enhancing India's blue-water naval capabilities, allowing for extended power projection in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. The carrier can house a total of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and various helicopters like Kamov-31, MH-60R, and the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH). The carrier's layout includes a ski-jump-assisted Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system, allowing the jets to launch effectively from its deck. This advanced system provides enhanced operational capabilities for both offensive and defensive naval air operations.

INS Vikrant features technologies, many of which are of Indian origin. It is equipped with advanced radar systems, modern air defense mechanisms such as Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, and a vast array of electronic warfare suites. The vessel is designed to operate in various tactical roles, including sea control, power projection, and humanitarian missions. With a crew capacity of about 1,600 personnel, including both officers and sailors, Vikrant operates at a speed of up to 28 knots, with a range extending over 7,500 nautical miles.

In terms of significance, INS Vikrant is more than just a military asset. It symbolizes India's growing defense-industrial base, signifying a shift from dependency on foreign technologies to indigenous development. This aligns with the broader "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, promoting self-reliance in various industrial sectors. The ship's construction saw the involvement of more than 500 Indian companies.