INS Vikrant: India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Redefines Naval Power

On September 2, 2022, India marked a historic milestone with the commissioning of INS Vikrant, the nation's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier. This achievement not only enhances India's maritime capabilities but also underscores its commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Engineering Marvel: Design and Capabilities

INS Vikrant, named after its illustrious predecessor, spans 262 meters in length and 62 meters in width, with a displacement of approximately 43,000 tonnes. Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the vessel boasts a maximum speed of 28 knots and an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles, enabling extended deployments without the need for refuelling .

The carrier operates on a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system, featuring a ski-jump for aircraft launches and arresting wires for recoveries. Its air wing can accommodate up to 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, and indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) .

Advanced Systems and Armaments

INS Vikrant is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and defense systems, such as:

• 32 Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for aerial threats

• AK-630 Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) for close-range defense

• Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles and Leonardo 76mm naval guns

• Tata Power SED Combat Management System, integrated with Elta Systems and Leonardo radars for comprehensive surveillance and targeting.

The ship also features the Shakti Electronic Warfare suite, providing an electronic layer of defense against modern radars and anti-ship missiles .

A Floating City: Crew and Amenities

Designed to accommodate a crew of approximately 1,600 personnel, including specialized cabins for women officers and sailors, INS Vikrant functions as a self-sustaining floating city. Its facilities include:

• A 16-bed hospital equipped with modular operation theaters, ICU, dental complex, and telemedicine facilities

• A kitchen capable of preparing 4,800 meals daily, including 16,000 chapatis and 6,000 idlis

• Reverse osmosis plants producing over 400,000 liters of fresh water daily

• Two laundries catering to over 1,700 individuals.

The ship's infrastructure includes approximately 2,200 compartments and 11 kilometers of corridors, reflecting its massive scale and complexity.

A Testament to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'

INS Vikrant stands as a symbol of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative. With 76% indigenous content, its construction involved collaboration with over 100 MSMEs and major industrial houses like BEL, BHEL, L&T, and Kirloskar. The project generated employment for approximately 2,000 personnel at Cochin Shipyard and 13,000 individuals in ancillary industries, significantly contributing to the national economy .

Strategic Significance

The induction of INS Vikrant enhances India's maritime capabilities, allowing for the deployment of aircraft carriers on both eastern and western seaboards. This development is crucial in the context of increasing naval activities in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly concerning China's expanding maritime presence .

Conclusion

INS Vikrant is not merely a warship; it is a floating embodiment of India's technological prowess, strategic foresight, and commitment to self-reliance. As it sails the high seas, Vikrant carries with it the aspirations of a nation poised to assert its rightful place on the global maritime stage.