Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2023 aboard INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, underscoring the nation’s naval strength and self-reliance in defense. The event highlighted the dedication of India’s armed forces and its strides in maritime security. Here are 5 key facts about INS Vikrant, the pride of the Indian Navy.
1. India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier. Commissioned in September 2022, the warship cost around ₹20,000 crore and boasts 76% indigenous content, marking a leap in India’s defense manufacturing.
2. A Legacy of the Original INS Vikrant
The name Vikrant (meaning “courageous” in Sanskrit) honors India’s first aircraft carrier, which played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The new Vikrant continues this legacy with advanced capabilities.
3. Massive Size & Advanced Features
- Displacement: 45,000 tonnes
- Length: 262 meters
- Capacity: 1,600 crew, 30 aircraft (MiG-29K jets, Kamov-31 choppers, and indigenous ALH)
- Key tech: Ski-jump launch, modern radar, and electronic warfare systems.
4. Strengthening India’s Blue-Water Navy
INS Vikrant boosts India’s ability to operate in deep oceans, countering China’s growing presence in the Indo-Pacific. It enhances maritime security and supports joint exercises with Quad nations (US, Japan, Australia).
5. PM Modi’s Diwali Celebration: A Tribute to Self-Reliance
Modi’s visit symbolized national pride and the success of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in defense. He praised the Navy’s sacrifices and India’s progress in military modernization under ‘Make in India’.
Conclusion
INS Vikrant is a testament to India’s technological prowess and strategic vision. With a third carrier in planning, India’s naval dominance is set to grow.
