Part of: GS Prelims and GS III – Defence and Security
In news
Recently, the ongoing work on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), INS Vikrant (IAC-1) was reviewed, which is a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
INS Vikrant, is likely to be commissioned in 2022.
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.
