Prime Minister is all set to commission the first indigenous aircraft carrier-- INS Vikrant-- the largest ship ever built in India's maritime history, on Friday. Modi will commission the carrier, housing state-of-the-art automation features and built at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore, at the Cochin Shipyard. During the event, Modi is also set to unveil the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past. (Image: Via News18 Hindi)
The Navy had earlier said the new insignia will be befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage.The Navy had earlier said the new insignia will be befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage. INS Vikrant will contribute in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region, Vice Chief of Indian Navy Vice Admiral S N Ghormade had said earlier. The aircraft carrier's hangar is the size of two Olympic-sized pools. Initially, the warship will be equipped with MiG fighter jets and helicopters. After taking command of the warship, the Navy will conduct aviation trials. (Image: via News18 Hindi)
Vice Chief of Indian Navy Vice Admiral S N Ghormade said the aircraft landing trials on board INS Vikrant will begin in November and they will be completed by mid-2023, adding MiG-29K jets will operate from the warship for the first few years. The commissioning of Vikrant is being seen as a significant step towards India's self-reliance in the defence sector. The INS Vikrant can carry 1,600 crew members and 30 aircraft. It has machines that can produce 3,000 chapatis per hour. (Image: News18 Hindi)
With the construction of 'Vikrant', has joined a select group of nations such as the US, the UK, Russia, China and France, having the niche capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier. The warship has been built using indigenous equipment and machinery supplied by India's major industrial houses as well as over 100 MSMEs. (Image via News18 Hindi)
Vikrant means victorious and gallant. The foundation for IAC was established in April 2005 by ceremonial Steel Cutting. The warship grade steel required for construction of IAC was indigenised through Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in collaboration with Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Indian Navy. The hull fabrication progressed thereafter and the ship's keel was laid in February 2009. The warship, which took more than a decade to build, is outfitted with a 16-bed hospital, 250 fuel tankers, and 2,400 compartments. (Image via News18 Hindi)
The first phase of ship construction was completed with its successful launch in August 2013. The 262 m long and 62 m wide Vikrant displaces approximately 43000 tonnes when fully loaded and has a maximum designed speed of 28 knots with endurance of 7500 nautical miles. To put its size into perspective, the warship is the size of two football fields end to end and 18 floors tall, according to a video released by the Navy. (Image via News18 Hindi)
It would be capable of operating air wing consisting of 30 aircraft, comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 and MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). (Image: via News18 Hindi)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who also unveiled a new Naval Ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj said the country has taken off a burden of slavery. (Twitter Image)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Vikrant, which means victorious, is huge, massive, and vast. Vikrant is distinguished, Vikrant is also special adding that Vikrant is not just a warship and stood testimony to Indian skills and talent. (Twitter Image)