Indigenous aircraft carrier “Vikrant” was delivered to Indian Navy by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi on Thrusday.
By accepting the famous Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (AC) ‘Vikrant’ from her function Object (native code) Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, Indian Navy made maritime history today. The carrier, which was built by CSL, Public Sector Shipyard under Ministry of Shipping (MoS), was created internally by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and named after her legendary predecessor, India’s first Aircraft Carrier, which was instrumental in the war of 1971.
The resurrection of Vikrant, which coincides with festivities marking the 75th anniversary of India’s independence (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav), is a real testament to the nation’s energy and fervour in pursuing capabilities build up toward increased maritime security, according to Indian Navy.
The 262-meter-long carrier is substantially longer and more sophisticated than her predecessor, with a full displacement of around 45,000 tonnes.
The ship has a top speed of 28 knots and is propelled by four gas turbines with a combined 88 MW of power. The project, which was constructed for around Rs 20,000 crores altogether, was advanced over the course of three phases under a contract between the MoD and CSL that was finalised in May 2007, December 2014, and October 2019 accordingly. The keel of the ship was laid in February 2009, and it was launched in August 2013.
IAC, which has a total of 76% indigenous material, is a prime illustration of the country’s ambition for “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat” and gives the government’s “Make in India” drive a boost. With the delivery of Vikrant, India has joined a small group of countries with the specialized capacity to design and construct an aircraft carrier domestically.
