New Delhi : INS Vikrant, country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier inducted into the Navy’s fleet, is like a small floating town in the sea. The battleship, roughly equivalent to two football fields, has about 2,200 compartments, designed for approximately 1,600 crew members. The aircraft carrier also has a 16-bed state-of-the-art medical complex with state-of-the-art equipment facilities.
The commissioning of ‘Vikrant’ is not only another step towards strengthening the defence preparedness of the country, but also a humble tribute to the sacrifices of country’s brave soldiers during the 1971 war. Vikrant means victorious and brave, the foundation of the prestigious aircraft carrier was firmly laid with the Ceremonial Steel Cutting Ceremony in April, 2005.
After this the work of building the hull of the ship was carried forward and the keel-laying of the ship was done in February 2009. The first phase of the shipbuilding was completed with the successful launch of the ship in August 2013.
The ship has special cabins for women officers and sailors. The aircraft carrier’s medical complex has premier modular operation theatres, emergency modular operation theatres, physiotherapy clinics, ICUs, laboratories, CT scanners, X-ray machines, dental complex, isolation wards and telemedicine facilities.
Maneuver tests for various operating conditions of the ship during sea trials, main propulsion, power generation and distribution (PGD), navigation and communication systems of the ship, testing of propulsion machinery, electrical and electronic suites, deck machinery, life support equipment, the ship’s performance covers multiple dimensions, including integrated testing of most of the equipment, systems and testing of other ancillary equipment, all of which have satisfied the Indian Navy’s teams and crew.
The Deck Integration Trial and Aviation Facility Complex of fixed wing aircraft will be used in line with the prevailing practices followed by other advanced countries having experience in building aircraft carriers. The Navy will have operational command and control of the ship, including flight safety. ‘Vikrant’ has a large number of indigenous equipment and machinery, from over 100 MSMEs from leading industrial houses of the country like BEL, BHEL, GRSE, Keltron, Kirloskar, L&T, Wartsila India etc.
Indigenisation efforts have led to the development of ancillary industries, besides creating employment opportunities for 2,000 CSL personnel and about 13,000 employees in ancillary industries thus boosting the economy of the country. The partnership between the Navy, DRDO and SAIL in manufacturing indigenous aircraft carriers has enabled the country to become self-reliant with respect to warship steel. The indigenous content of the project is about 76 per cent. Indigenous manufacturing of aircraft carriers is a shining example of the country’s efforts towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The induction of INS Vikrant into the Navy is a proud and historic moment for the nation, which is a true testament to the country’s enthusiasm in building capacity towards promoting maritime security in the Indian Ocean. This warship will demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the Indian Navy to contribute towards peace and stability in the region. The commissioning of ‘Vikrant’ is not only another step towards strengthening the defence preparedness of the country, but also a humble tribute to the sacrifices of our brave soldiers during the 1971 war.