Part of: Prelims and GS III – Defence and Security
INS Vikrant is a realisation of the nation’s dream of an indigenous carrier – a ‘great icon for our drive towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat’.
Vikrant is India’s most complex warship to have been indigenously built by Cochin Shipyard for the Indian Navy.
Cochin Shipyard Limited is the largest public sector shipyard and the only shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
At present, India has only one aircraft carrier, the Russian-origin INS Vikramaditya.
About iNS Vikrant (IAC-1)
The vessel, to be named Vikrant after the decommissioned maiden carrier of the Navy.
It will have an air component of 30 aircraft, comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 airborne early warning helicopters and the soon-to-be-inducted MH-60R multi-role helicopter, besides the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters.
The shipborne weapons include Barak LR SAM and AK-630, while it has MFSTAR and RAN-40L 3D radars as sensors.
It has a pair of runways and a ‘short take off but arrested recovery’ system to control aircraft operations.
Significance
The combat capability, reach and versatility of the aircraft carrier will add formidable capabilities in the defence and help secure India’s interests in the maritime domain.
It would offer an incomparable military instrument with its ability to project air power over long distances.
