Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2023 with Indian Navy personnel aboard the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense. This historic warship symbolizes the nation’s growing naval strength. Here are 10 key facts about INS Vikrant:
1. India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kerala. Its 2022 commissioning marked a major milestone in India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
2. A Tribute to India’s First Carrier
The new Vikrant is named after India’s first aircraft carrier (1961–1997), which played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The name means “courageous” or “victorious” in Sanskrit.
3. Massive Size & Aircraft Capacity
Weighing 45,000 tonnes, Vikrant is 262 meters long and 62 meters wide, with space for 1,600 crew members and 30 aircraft, including MiG-29Ks, Kamov-31s, and MH-60R Seahawks.
4. Advanced STOBAR Flight Deck
The carrier uses a ski-jump ramp for takeoffs and arrester wires for landings. Its flight deck is as large as two football fields, enabling simultaneous flight operations.
5. 76% Indigenous Components
Over 76% of its parts were sourced domestically, involving MSMEs, DRDO, and Indian industries, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
6. Powerful Propulsion System
Powered by four GE LM2500 gas turbines, Vikrant generates 88 MW of energy—enough to power a small city. It reaches 28 knots (52 km/h) and has a 7,500 nautical-mile range.
7. Cutting-Edge Defense Systems
Equipped with EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radar, Barak-8 missiles, and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection, Vikrant is a floating fortress.
8. Strategic Importance in the Indian Ocean
Vikrant strengthens India’s “blue water navy”, countering China’s naval expansion and securing the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
9. ₹20,000 Crore & 13-Year Build
The project cost ₹20,000 crore ($2.5 billion) and took 13 years (2009–2022) due to technical challenges and COVID-19 delays.
10. PM Modi’s Diwali With the Navy
PM Modi’s visit highlighted military welfare and indigenous defense production, praising the Navy’s role in India’s security.
Conclusion
INS Vikrant is more than a warship—it’s a symbol of India’s engineering excellence and strategic ambition. With IAC-2 (third carrier) planned, India is rising as a global naval power.
— Written by [Your Name], Defense Correspondent
