INS Vikrant: India’s Crown Jewel in Naval Power and Indigenous Excellence : INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, stands as a monumental achievement in the nation’s maritime history. Commissioned on September 2, 2022, this 45,000-ton warship not only symbolizes India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing but also significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
A Legacy Reimagined
The name ‘Vikrant’ carries historical significance, tracing back to India’s first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant (R11), which served from 1961 to 1997. The new INS Vikrant (R11) pays homage to its predecessor, embodying the same spirit of courage and strength. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, this vessel marks a significant leap in India’s naval engineering prowess.
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Technical Marvel
INS Vikrant boasts impressive specifications:
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Dimensions: 262 meters in length and 62 meters in width.
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Displacement: Approximately 45,000 tons.
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Propulsion: Powered by four General Electric LM2500+ gas turbines, generating over 80 megawatts of power.
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Speed and Endurance: Capable of speeds up to 28 knots with an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles.
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Crew Capacity: Accommodates around 1,700 personnel, including specialized facilities for female officers.
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Medical Facilities: Equipped with a state-of-the-art hospital complex.
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Power Generation: Eight generators capable of powering a city of 2 million people.
Air Wing Capabilities
The carrier operates a versatile air wing comprising:
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Fixed-Wing Aircraft: Up to 30 aircraft, primarily the Mikoyan MiG-29K fighters.
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Helicopters: A mix of Kamov Ka-31 for airborne early warning, Sikorsky MH-60R for anti-submarine warfare, and HAL Dhruv Mk III for search and rescue operations.
Notably, in February 2023, a naval variant of the HAL Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) successfully conducted arrested landings and ski-jump takeoffs from INS Vikrant, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous aviation capabilities.
Strategic Significance
INS Vikrant’s induction into the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet enhances India’s maritime dominance in the Arabian Sea and beyond. With two operational aircraft carriers—INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya—the Navy can maintain a robust presence on both eastern and western seaboards, ensuring rapid response to regional threats and humanitarian crises.
The carrier’s deployment aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, aiming to counterbalance China’s growing naval presence in the region. By projecting power and ensuring the security of vital sea lanes, INS Vikrant plays a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability.
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Symbol of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
INS Vikrant epitomizes the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, showcasing the nation’s capability to design, develop, and manufacture complex defense platforms indigenously. The successful completion of this project underscores India’s commitment to reducing dependency on foreign defense imports and fostering domestic innovation.
