Introduction: What is INS Vikrant?
INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1), built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy. Commissioned on September 2, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it symbolizes India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision and technological prowess in naval warfare.
The name “Vikrant” means courageous or victorious, a tribute to the original INS Vikrant (R11), India’s first aircraft carrier which played a vital role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
🇮🇳 Significance of INS Vikrant for India
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Marks India’s entry into an elite group of nations capable of designing and building aircraft carriers.
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Boosts India’s maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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Strengthens defense indigenization with over 76% Indian content.
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Enhances India’s ability to project power, carry out humanitarian missions, and secure its maritime interests.
Construction Timeline of INS Vikrant
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Keel Laid | February 28, 2009 |
| Hull Launched | August 12, 2013 |
| Basin Trials | November 2020 |
| Sea Trials | August 2021 – July 2022 |
| Commissioned | September 2, 2022 |
Built at Cochin Shipyard, the project had several delays and cost overruns, but its completion marked a historic feat in India’s defense manufacturing journey.
INS Vikrant Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Displacement | Around 45,000 tonnes |
| Length | 262 meters (860 feet) |
| Beam (Width) | 62 meters (203 feet) |
| Speed | 28 knots (52 km/h) |
| Endurance | 7,500 nautical miles |
| Crew Capacity | Over 1,600 personnel |
| Aircraft Capacity | Up to 30 aircraft |
| Propulsion | 4 gas turbines (General Electric LM2500+) |
| Power Generation | 9 MW Diesel Generators |
Aircraft & Weapon Systems on INS Vikrant
🔹 Aircraft Capability
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MiG-29K fighter jets
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HAL Tejas (Naval version) – in testing phase
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MH-60R Seahawk helicopters (multi-role)
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Kamov Ka-31 (AEW&C)
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HAL Dhruv (utility helicopter)
🔹 Armament & Defense Systems
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Barak-8 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system
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AK-630 CIWS (Close-In Weapon System)
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Multi-function surveillance radar
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Electronic warfare suite
Design and Technology Features
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STOBAR configuration: Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery – uses a ski-jump for take-off.
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Advanced Combat Management System (CMS)
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Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for machinery control
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Designed with modular construction techniques
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Features a hospital, kitchens, and living quarters for a floating city-like setup
Indigenous Content and Make in India
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Over 500 Indian firms involved in the construction.
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Major contributors: BEL, L&T, Kirloskar, BHEL, Godrej, and many MSMEs.
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Developed with 76% Indian content, showcasing India’s shipbuilding capabilities.
INS Vikrant vs Other Aircraft Carriers
| Feature | INS Vikrant (India) | USS Gerald R. Ford (USA) | Shandong (China) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | STOBAR | CATOBAR | STOBAR |
| Displacement | 45,000 tons | 100,000+ tons | 70,000 tons |
| Aircraft | 30 | 75+ | 44 |
| Indigenous? | Yes | Yes | Partial |
Vikrant may not match the size of U.S. carriers, but it’s a major regional power enhancer.
INS Vikrant’s Role in India’s Naval Strategy
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Extends blue-water operational reach.
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Ensures India’s dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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Will likely be deployed in strategic zones, including the Strait of Malacca, South China Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
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Aimed at deterring regional threats, including China’s maritime assertiveness.
Future of Indian Aircraft Carrier Program
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A second indigenous carrier, INS Vishal, is being planned.
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India may shift to CATOBAR systems with EMALS (like US Navy tech).
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Aim to operate three aircraft carriers for constant sea readiness – Western, Eastern, and reserve fleet.
INS Vikrant’s in Media and Culture
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INS Vikrant has been featured in documentaries and Republic Day parades.
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A digital twin model and virtual tours were launched for public awareness.
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Commemorated on a ₹20 coin released by the Prime Minister.
Interesting Facts about INS Vikrant
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Named after the original INS Vikrant (R11) decommissioned in 1997.
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One of the most complex warships built in India.
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Built under Project 71 Air Defence Ship (ADS) program.
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Cost over ₹23,000 crore (USD $2.9 billion).
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Features over 2,300 compartments including an onboard hospital.
Read More: Operation Sindoor: PM Modi Takes Charge Amid Cross-Border Shelling in Poonch District
Conclusion
INS Vikrant isn’t just a warship – it’s a floating symbol of India’s defense dreams, engineering brilliance, and strategic autonomy. As tensions rise in global waters, INS Vikrant ensures that India’s maritime shield is unbreakable.
With this aircraft carrier, India has solidified its position as a major naval power, ready to protect its interests and partners in an uncertain world.
