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INS Vikrant

INS Vikrant is an in active service with the , marking India's first indigenously designed and constructed carrier as part of its efforts to enhance projection. Commissioned on 2 September 2022 by Prime Minister , the ship was built by Limited in under the design oversight of the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau, embodying 76% indigenous content including specialized steel from . The construction of INS Vikrant, originally designated as Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC-1), began with in February 2009 following project approval in 2003, though it faced delays due to challenges and technological complexities, ultimately costing approximately $3 billion. The carrier underwent extensive sea trials starting in August 2021, validating its systems before formal induction, and it draws design influences from earlier acquisitions like the Kiev-class carriers to support 's blue-water navy ambitions. As the largest ever built in , INS Vikrant honors the legacy of the Indian Navy's first carrier of the same name, which served from 1961 until its decommissioning in 1997. Key specifications include a displacement of approximately 45,000 tonnes, a length of 262.5 , and a beam of 61.6 , enabling a maximum speed of 28 knots and an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles. Propulsion is provided by four gas turbines delivering 88 megawatts of power to two shafts, while its (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) configuration features a 14-degree ski-jump ramp for operations. The carrier can accommodate up to 30 , as of 2025 comprising MiG-29K fighters for strike roles, airborne early warning helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, and utility types such as the and , with platforms like the Rafale-M or F/A-18 Super under consideration for future integration. In operational terms, INS Vikrant enhances the Indian Navy's carrier strike capabilities alongside INS Vikramaditya and the planned INS Vishal, aiming for a three-carrier fleet by the to secure India's interests in the region; as of 2025, it has achieved full operational status and participated in major deployments including Operation Sindoor and dual-carrier exercises. Its induction underscores the initiative for self-reliant defense production, fostering technological advancements in warship building and contributing to multinational exercises like dual-carrier operations in the .

Development

Background

India's naval aviation history traces its origins to the early post-independence era, when the Indian Navy sought to enhance its maritime capabilities through the acquisition of foreign-built aircraft carriers. The flagship of this effort was INS Vikrant, commissioned on 4 March 1961 as the nation's first aircraft carrier, originally laid down in the United Kingdom as HMS Hercules but completed for Indian service. This 19,500-tonne vessel, equipped with Sea Hawk and Alizé aircraft, played pivotal roles in operations such as the 1961 liberation of Goa and the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, serving until its decommissioning in 1997. Subsequent carriers, including INS Viraat—acquired from the UK in 1987 and decommissioned in 2017—and INS Vikramaditya, a refurbished Soviet-era carrier commissioned on 16 November 2013, underscored India's ongoing dependence on imported platforms to maintain carrier strike capabilities. The strategic imperative for an indigenous aircraft carrier arose from India's ambition to transition into a , capable of projecting power beyond coastal waters and securing vital in the region. Amid escalating maritime threats from China's expanding naval presence in the and Pakistan's submarine and surface fleet modernizations, the identified the need for self-reliant carrier operations to deter aggression, support amphibious assaults, and ensure energy import security. This drive was further fueled by regional dynamics, including China's growing fleet of aircraft carriers and its investments in ports along the periphery, prompting India to prioritize domestic construction to reduce vulnerabilities associated with foreign delays and dependencies. The project for India's first indigenous aircraft carrier was announced in May 1999, when the government approved the development of an Air Defence Ship as part of the Indian Navy's long-term modernization initiatives to bolster fleet capabilities. Formal approval came in January 2003, marking a commitment to design and build the vessel domestically despite initial challenges in technology transfer and industrial capacity. Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) was selected as the primary builder, leveraging its expertise in complex warship construction, while the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau (WDB) took the lead in conceptualizing the carrier, ensuring alignment with operational requirements for STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) aviation. This collaboration represented a significant step toward naval self-reliance, integrating inputs from defense research organizations and private sector partners.

Design

The design of INS Vikrant adopted a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) configuration to enable efficient aircraft operations from a relatively compact platform, featuring a 14-degree ski-jump ramp at the bow for assisted take-offs and three arrestor wires on the angled deck for landings. This setup allows the carrier to operate such as the MiG-29K fighter and rotary-wing helicopters without requiring a system, balancing operational flexibility with simplicity. In terms of structural dimensions, the measures 262.5 meters in and has a of 61.6 meters, providing a stable platform for flight operations while optimizing hydrodynamic performance. Its ranges from approximately 40,000 tonnes at standard load to 45,000 tonnes at full load, enabling it to carry up to and a complement of over 1,600 personnel without compromising speed or endurance. Propulsion is provided by four + gas turbines arranged in a (COGAG) configuration, delivering a total of 88 megawatts (approximately 118,000 shaft horsepower) to twin shafts via gearboxes, achieving a maximum speed of 28 knots. This marine-derived turbine setup was selected for its proven reliability, high , and ease of maintenance, drawing on established naval applications to ensure the carrier's operational range exceeds 7,500 nautical miles at cruising speed. Key defensive systems integrate advanced sensors and weapons, including the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR for multi-role surveillance, tracking up to 200 targets simultaneously at ranges beyond 250 kilometers, and the Indo-Israeli system with 32 vertical launch cells for layered air defense against aircraft, missiles, and drones. These systems, developed through joint efforts between Indian and Israeli entities, enhance and self-defense capabilities while adhering to the carrier's stealth-oriented design features like reduced cross-section. The overall design was influenced by the STOBAR operational concept of the preceding , adapting proven carrier tactics to an framework, but with a targeted 76% local content to foster domestic expertise and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. This emphasis on encompassed fabrication, production, and auxiliary systems sourced from Indian firms, marking a strategic shift toward in .

Construction

Keel Laying and Launch

The keel laying ceremony for INS Vikrant took place on 28 February 2009 at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in , marking the formal start of physical construction for India's first indigenous . The event was presided over by then-Defence Minister , who laid the in the presence of naval officials and shipyard representatives, symbolizing the commitment to self-reliant building under Project 71. Construction progressed through key phases focused on hull fabrication and modular assembly, leveraging advanced shipbuilding techniques to integrate major compartments efficiently. Hull fabrication began in late 2006 using indigenously developed warship-grade steel from (), with over 80% of the structure—comprising 2,300 compartments—fabricated by the time of launch. The modular approach involved fabricating 874 composite blocks, each averaging 250 tons, which were outfitted with hull components, piping, and electrical systems in shop floors before assembly in the dry dock; this integrated hull outfit and painting (IHOP) method reduced build time and enhanced precision during erection of the 260-meter-long hull. By the keel laying, significant progress had been made, with 423 pre-fabricated blocks (approximately 48% of the total 874) weighing over 8,000 tons completed and joined for the hull structure, transitioning from land-based fabrication to dockside integration of propulsion foundations, machinery spaces, and deck levels. The carrier reached its launch milestone on 12 August 2013, when the at CSL was ceremonially flooded to float the for the first time, shifting construction from static to waterborne phases. The event was attended by Defence Minister , Shipping Minister , Chief of Naval Staff Admiral D. K. Joshi, and other senior officials, with the launch performed by Elizabeth Antony, wife of the Defence Minister, following traditional Vedic hymns and the ship's . Flooding the dock allowed the 37,500-tonne to achieve buoyancy, after which it was maneuvered using pontoons to an adjacent refitting berth, enabling subsequent outfitting while afloat; this flotation marked a critical achievement, validating the structural integrity of the modular under initial water loads.

Fitting Out and Delays

Following the launch of INS Vikrant on 12 2013, the phase commenced at Cochin Shipyard Limited, focusing on the installation of propulsion systems powered by four gas turbines, electrical infrastructure, and combat systems, with significant progress made between 2013 and 2015. This stage included integrating the ship's main machinery, auxiliary equipment, and initial weapon and sensor suites to enable operational readiness. In June 2015, after completing harbor trials that tested basic systems in dockside conditions, the carrier was undocked and transferred to a dedicated fitting-out berth for advanced equipping and further assembly work. This move allowed for the mounting of propellers and continued integration of complex subsystems without the constraints of the dry dock. The fitting out process encountered major delays due to engine delivery issues from General Electric for the LM2500 turbines, which required additional testing and integration by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, as well as challenges in incorporating indigenous avionics and sensor systems developed by Indian firms. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these setbacks by disrupting supply chains and limiting access to foreign technicians for final installations, extending the overall timeline from an anticipated completion in 2018 to 2022. These delays contributed to substantial cost escalations, with the project budget rising from an initial estimate of approximately ₹3,261 approved in to a final figure of ₹23,000 by 2021, driven by prolonged procurement, redesign efforts, and inflationary pressures on imported components.

Specifications

Hull and Propulsion

INS Vikrant features a steel hull constructed primarily from high-tensile DMR 249A grade plates developed and supplied by the Steel Authority of India Limited, ensuring structural integrity under demanding maritime conditions. The hull measures 262.5 meters in length overall and 61.6 meters in beam. The propulsion system consists of four + marine gas turbines configured in a (COGAG) arrangement, driving twin shafts to deliver a total output of 88 megawatts. This setup propels the carrier to a maximum speed of 28 knots and provides an operational range of 7,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 18 knots. Auxiliary power is generated by integrated alternators, producing sufficient —equivalent to the needs of about 5,000 households—to support onboard systems. The carrier's capacity stands at 5,500 tonnes, enabling extended deployments without frequent resupply. For survivability, INS Vikrant incorporates over 2,200 watertight compartments to localize damage from impacts or flooding, complemented by advanced systems for machinery monitoring, , and damage control operations.

Armament and Sensors

INS Vikrant is armed with two 32-cell vertical launch systems (VLS) for surface-to-air missiles (SAM), accommodating a total of 64 missiles for medium- to long-range air defense against , cruise missiles, and other aerial threats. The system, jointly developed by India's DRDO and , offers a range of up to 100 km and high maneuverability for intercepting multiple targets simultaneously. For close-in defense, INS Vikrant is equipped with four close-in weapon systems (CIWS), consisting of 30 mm six-barrel Gatling guns with a up to 5,000 rounds per minute and an effective range of 4 km against missiles and low-flying . Additionally, five 12.7 mm stabilized remote-controlled guns serve as secondary close-range weapons for engaging small surface threats or drones. The sensor array centers on the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR multi-functional (AESA) radar from , featuring four fixed panels for 360-degree coverage in air and surface search, tracking up to 200 targets at ranges exceeding 250 km, and guiding missiles without dedicated illuminators. The electronic warfare suite includes the indigenous DRDO system, which integrates electronic support measures for threat detection, jamming for electronic attack, and decoy launchers for protection against incoming missiles. A hull-mounted HUMSA sonar provides limited underwater surveillance for the carrier's role, primarily relying on escort vessels for comprehensive anti-submarine operations. Command and control are facilitated by an integrated combat management system (CMS) developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited, featuring indigenous software for real-time , battle management, and coordination of weapons and operations, enhancing across the .

Aircraft Operations

INS Vikrant employs a short take-off but arrested recovery () configuration for operations, utilizing a measuring approximately 260 meters in length and 48 meters in width, equipped with a 14-degree ski-jump ramp to assist launches, two 70-meter arrestor wires for landings, and four dedicated deck parking spots to support simultaneous handling. The carrier's can accommodate up to 30 , with two 50-tonne capacity lifts facilitating efficient transfer between the hangar and to maintain operational tempo. The air wing is designed to include up to 26 MiG-29K multirole fighters for strike and air superiority roles, 10 helicopters for , and additional utility helicopters such as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and MH-60R multi-role variants for and search-and-rescue missions. Looking ahead, the carrier is slated for integration with the indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) and the Rafale-M naval variant; in April 2025, signed a deal for 26 Rafale-M fighters to enhance naval air capabilities. while the planned follow-on Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2) will incorporate catapult-assisted take-off systems to expand operational flexibility.

Trials and Commissioning

Sea Trials

Basin trials for INS Vikrant were conducted in late 2020 at the , focusing on validating the ship's machinery, systems, and electrical equipment in a controlled harbor environment. These static tests confirmed the readiness of key components, including the four gas turbines, paving the way for dynamic at-sea evaluations. The first sea sortie commenced on 4 August 2021, marking INS Vikrant's inaugural voyage from Kochi into the Arabian Sea for a five-day trial. This phase validated basic propulsion, navigation, and auxiliary systems, with the carrier achieving full-speed runs exceeding 28 knots, demonstrating its designed maximum speed capability. Subsequent phases followed, including a 10-day trial in October 2021 for advanced steering and power generation tests, a January 2022 sortie for complex maneuvers, and a July 2022 phase for integrated equipment validation. Across these multiple sorties spanning 2021 and 2022, the carrier addressed refinements to hull performance and system interoperability. Key evaluations during the trials encompassed integrated testing of major equipment and systems. trials began post-commissioning, with the first landings of MiG-29K fighters and indigenous LCA (Navy) prototypes achieved on 6 February 2023, validating the ski-jump takeoff and arrestor gear for carrier operations. These tests, conducted over subsequent sorties, included day and night operations to ensure seamless integration of the air wing. Further trials from January to November 2024 included over 750 hours of flying operations, encompassing day and night sorties by fighter aircraft and helicopters, as part of the Final Operational Clearance process. Following the resolution of identified defects, such as sensor calibrations and minor structural adjustments, Final Operational Clearance (FOC) was granted to in November 2024, certifying its readiness for full combat deployment. This milestone concluded the extensive trial regime, transitioning the carrier from builder's tests to operational service.

Commissioning Ceremony

The commissioning of INS Vikrant occurred on 2 September 2022 at Cochin Shipyard Limited in , , where Prime Minister presided over the formal induction of India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier into the . The ceremony highlighted the vessel's 76% indigenous content, including hull steel developed by the and private Indian firms, underscoring the nation's push toward in defense manufacturing. During the event, Modi unveiled a new inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, replacing the previous design with the , to symbolize India's sovereign maritime heritage. The proceedings featured a ceremonial by Chetak helicopters, demonstrating aerial coordination and marking a highlight of the naval display. Speeches by Modi and Defence Minister emphasized the carrier's role in enhancing and indigenization efforts, with Modi describing INS Vikrant as a "floating of " that embodies the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Singh praised the collaborative work of the Navy's Warship Design Bureau, , and over 100 vendors, noting the project's success despite global supply chain challenges. Attendees included Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister , and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral , reflecting the event's national significance. Following the successful completion of sea trials earlier that year, the post-commissioning phase involved initial crew training for the complement of approximately 160 officers and 1,400 sailors to integrate with the ship's advanced systems. INS Vikrant was initially assigned to the at for operational basing.

Operational History

Initial Operations (2022–2023)

Following its commissioning on 2 September 2022, INS Vikrant entered a phase of post-commissioning workup centered on crew familiarization and system optimizations to ensure seamless integration of personnel with the vessel's advanced indigenous systems. This period included intensive training for over 2,000 sailors and aviators, emphasizing operational proficiency in aviation handling, radar integration, and propulsion efficiency, as the carrier transitioned from shipyard trials to fleet-ready status. Aviation trials commenced on 13 December 2022, marking the initial steps toward combat readiness by validating flight deck operations and aircraft compatibility. The carrier achieved Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) on 31 May 2023, certifying the functionality of its Aviation Facilities Complex, including the ski-jump ramp, arrestor wires, and integrated systems, thereby enabling limited operational use with a partial air wing. Building on this milestone, INS Vikrant participated in the Indian Navy's Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-23), conducted from November 2022 to March 2023 across the Region. During the exercise, which involved approximately 70 ships, six submarines, and over 75 aircraft, the carrier demonstrated integrated operations, including coordinated strikes and air defense maneuvers with its nascent air wing of MiG-29K fighters and helicopters, validating multi-domain in a simulated conflict scenario.

Western Fleet Integration (2024)

INS Vikrant officially joined the Indian Navy's Western Fleet on 20 September 2024 at , marking a key milestone in its transition to integrated fleet operations. This integration enhanced the fleet's maritime power projection in the , with the carrier undergoing a mandatory post-commissioning refit at Limited prior to deployment. The event underscored India's growing indigenous naval capabilities, as Vikrant became the second in the alongside INS Vikramaditya. Post-integration, INS Vikrant participated in intensive training cycles to embed within fleet structures, including joint exercises with focused on dual-carrier operations. These drills, conducted in the in March 2024, tested coordinated maneuvers, air wing interoperability, and sortie generation rates under simulated combat conditions. The exercises involved escort vessels such as destroyers and frigates, evaluating systems like and aircraft recovery in adverse weather, thereby validating Vikrant's readiness for multi-domain operations. On 7 November 2024, President visited INS Vikrant during a 'Day at Sea' event off the coast, witnessing live demonstrations of its operational capabilities. The showcase included MiG-29K fighter jet takeoffs and landings, firing drills from escort ships, and operations, emphasizing the carrier's integration into high-tempo naval activities. This high-profile review affirmed Vikrant's seamless incorporation into the Fleet's operational framework.

Major Deployments (2025)

In December 2024, INS Vikrant achieved full operational following extensive trials and exercises, enabling its participation in high-intensity missions throughout 2025. This milestone, building on prior Western Fleet , positioned the carrier as a cornerstone of India's maritime strategy, with its air wing logging over 1,000 sorties across deployments that year. Early in 2025, INS Vikrant took part in the joint phase of Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-25), conducted from January to March across multiple maritime theaters. Senior tri-service commanders, including the Chief of the Naval Staff and heads of the and , embarked on the carrier to observe coordinated operations involving over 70 ships, six , and 75 . The exercise featured day and night flying operations with MiG-29K fighters and helicopters, validating the carrier's role in multi-domain warfare scenarios against conventional and hybrid threats. A pivotal deployment occurred during the 2025 India-Pakistan standoff, known as Operation Sindoor, from April to June in the Arabian Sea. INS Vikrant led a Carrier Battle Group comprising 8-10 warships, including destroyers and frigates equipped with BrahMos missiles, positioned to enforce a blockade on Karachi and ensure air dominance off Pakistan's coast. The carrier's air wing conducted surveillance and combat air patrols, deterring Pakistani naval movements and supporting India's retaliatory strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. This operation highlighted Vikrant's combat readiness, with the battle group maintaining a high-tempo posture that contributed to the swift de-escalation without direct naval engagement. In October 2025, INS Vikrant participated in Exercise Konkan 2025, a bilateral maritime drill with the UK's from October 5 to 12 off India's western seaboard. This marked the first-ever dual-carrier operations between the two navies, involving Vikrant alongside , with integrated air operations featuring MiG-29K and F-35B fighters in tactical scenarios like beyond-visual-range combat and . The exercise enhanced interoperability, with cross-deck landings and joint strike group maneuvers demonstrating seamless coordination in multi-domain environments. In November 2025, INS Vikrant participated in Exercise Trishul, a tri-service joint exercise commencing early in the month off the western coast. Top military chiefs from the , , and embarked on the carrier on 13 November 2025 to review multi-domain operations, including cyber and , live firings, and coordinated maneuvers with over 50 assets. The exercise culminated with amphibious operations off the Saurashtra Coast in , validating integrated response capabilities for full-spectrum scenarios.

Strategic Significance

Role in Indian Navy

INS Vikrant's induction has significantly bolstered the 's two-carrier strike capability, complementing to enable sustained operational presence across the Region (IOR). This dual-carrier configuration allows for continuous deployment of carrier battle groups, ensuring one carrier remains operational while the other undergoes or refit, thereby enhancing India's surveillance and response posture. The plays a pivotal role in , enabling the projection of air power far beyond India's shores, while also supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations through its capacity as a floating , , and hub. Additionally, it contributes to deterrence against adversaries by maintaining a credible sea-based strike option, particularly in response to growing naval activities in the IOR. In 2025 deployments, INS Vikrant demonstrated this multifaceted role during exercises in the . INS Vikrant integrates seamlessly into Carrier Battle Groups (CBGs), operating with escorts including guided-missile destroyers, frigates, and to form a layered defense and offensive platform capable of multi-domain operations. Its homeport at in , , under the Western Fleet, optimizes deployment for missions in the and western IOR, facilitating rapid response and logistical support.

Indigenous Technology Contributions

The construction of INS Vikrant marked a significant milestone in India's pursuit of in , achieving 76% content through the integration of domestically produced components and systems. This included the fabrication of the ship's hull at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), utilizing advanced welding techniques for its complex structure, and the incorporation of 30,000 tonnes of special naval-grade steel supplied by (). The combat management system, suite, and integrated platform management system were also developed indigenously, enhancing the carrier's operational autonomy and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Key to this indigenization effort were strategic partnerships that facilitated and technological advancement. Collaboration with supported the integration of MiG-29K fighter aircraft, including agreements for joint development and maintenance, enabling Indian firms to adapt and sustain these carrier-based operations. Similarly, the (DRDO) played a pivotal role in missile systems, contributing to the development of the Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles through Indo-Israeli joint ventures, alongside indigenous innovations in warship-grade materials. These partnerships not only embedded advanced avionics and weaponry but also built domestic expertise in carrier-specific technologies. The project yielded substantial spin-offs for India's shipbuilding ecosystem, elevating CSL's capabilities to undertake larger naval projects, including the planned Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2), which will incorporate lessons from Vikrant's design and construction. During the build phase, it generated direct employment for over 2,000 personnel at CSL and indirect jobs for approximately 12,500 in ancillary industries, fostering skill development in heavy engineering and precision manufacturing across 550 original equipment manufacturers and 100 . Overcoming technical challenges was central to these contributions, particularly in developing high-strength, corrosion-resistant through a tripartite effort involving the , DRDO, and , which addressed initial hurdles in material certification and large-scale production previously met through imports. Innovations in mounting for the four GE LM2500 units, assembled locally by , ensured stable propulsion integration, further diminishing import dependency and establishing scalable processes for future indigenous warships. These advancements collectively reduced foreign sourcing from over 50% in prior projects to the current level, bolstering India's in .

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