Part of: Prelims and GS III – Defence and security
Context The maiden sea trials of the indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant have progressed very well and the second phase of trials are expected to begin by October-end, with the third phase planned in December.
Vikrant is expected to be delivered to the Navy in April and likely to be commissioned in August 2022
About Vikrant
Vikrant is India’s most complex warship (aircraft carrier) 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.
Vikrant has more than 76% indigenous content.
It is the first time in the country that a ship the size of an Aircraft Carrier is completely modeled in 3D and production drawings extracted from the 3D model.
The IAC is the largest warship built in the country having a displacement of about 40,000 tonnes.
The Aircraft Carrier is a mini floating city, with a flight deck area covering the size of two football fields.
The vessel is 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.
At present, India has only one aircraft carrier, the Russian-origin INS Vikramaditya.
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.
