The Indian Navy’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, is set to be ready for combat in May 2023. The vessel, which has been under construction since 2009, represents a significant milestone in India’s efforts to build a modern and capable naval force.

The INS Vikrant is a 40,000-tonne vessel that is 262 meters long and 62 meters wide. It is designed to carry a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. The vessel’s flight deck can accommodate up to 24 aircraft at a time, and it has a top speed of around 28 knots.

The carrier is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, which provide a total power output of 80 MW. It also has four diesel generators that can produce a combined output of 16 MW.

One of the key features of the INS Vikrant is its indigenous design and construction. The vessel was built entirely in India, with domestic companies supplying most of the materials and components. This is a significant achievement for India’s shipbuilding industry, which has historically relied on foreign technology and expertise.

“The INS Vikrant is also equipped with advanced technology and systems.”

The INS Vikrant is also equipped with advanced technology and systems. It has a modern combat management system, which allows the crew to monitor and control all the vessel’s sensors, weapons, and communications equipment. The carrier is also fitted with a variety of anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons, including the Barak-8 missile system.

The vessel’s air wing will consist of a mix of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. It is expected to include the Tejas naval variant fighter jet, which is currently in development, as well as the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, which was recently acquired from the United States.

The INS Vikrant is a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s capabilities, and it will provide the country with a potent tool for power projection and maritime security. The vessel’s size and capabilities will enable it to operate in a variety of roles, from air defense to power projection to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

However, the INS Vikrant’s arrival comes at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. China’s growing naval power and assertiveness have led to concerns about the security of India’s maritime borders. In this context, the INS Vikrant will play an important role in India’s efforts to maintain a credible deterrent and protect its interests in the region.

In conclusion, the INS Vikrant represents a significant achievement for India’s shipbuilding industry and a major milestone in the country’s efforts to build a modern and capable naval force. The vessel’s advanced technology, indigenous design, and potent capabilities will enable it to operate in a variety of roles, and it will play a critical role in India’s efforts to maintain maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.