Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Vikrant returned after a five-day sea trial to test the performance of the 40,000-tonne warship. IAC Vikrant, built at a cost of around ₹23,000 crores, set sail from Kochi on August 4 for the crucial sea trials ahead of its planned induction into the Indian Navy by August next year.
The navy said that the system parameters proved satisfactory during the trials. The ship's performance, including hull, main propulsion, Power Generation and Distribution (PGD), and auxiliary equipment were tested during the exercise. The trials were reviewed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command.
On the successful completion of the trial, Vice Admiral AK Chawla said it is indeed a "historic moment for the country". He further said, "We are going back to Kochi after five days of trials at sea. We're going back with a great sense of satisfaction. This has been possible with dedicated teamwork."
Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said "Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ''Vikrant'' successfully accomplished its maiden sea voyage today. Trials progressed as planned and system parameters proved satisfactory." “The IAC is a leading example of the nation’s quest for ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ and Indian Navy’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, with more than 76% indigenous content," the Indian Navy statement said. Around 550 Indian firms including about 100 MSMEs are registered with the Cochin Shipyard Limited(CSL) and they provided various services for the construction of the IAC.
The delivery of Vikrant is being targeted to coincide with celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's independence ''Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.''
The aircraft carrier is 262 meters long, 62 meters at the widest part, and has a height of 59 meters including the superstructure. There are 14 decks in all, including five in the superstructure. The warship will operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters. It has a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles.
With the delivery of Vikrant, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier. It will also provide thrust to the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative. Delivery of IAC would also strengthen India's position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a Blue Water Navy - ie project power far beyond its shores.
The Indian Navy has been focusing on significantly bolstering its overall capabilities in view of China's growing efforts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Ocean, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy, is critical to the country's strategic interests. As of 2021, China's PLAN has two combat-ready aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, with the third under construction. It is projected that China may possess five or six aircraft carriers by the 2030s.
PLAN Shandong Aircraft Carrier
The IAC, which will be christened Vikrant after India’s first aircraft carrier which was decommissioned in 1997, has been designed by the Indian Navy's Directorate of Naval Design. It is being built at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a Public Sector Shipyard under the Ministry of Shipping (MoS). India currently has only one aircraft carrier - INS Vikramaditya.
