India commissions its largest indigenously built aircraft carrier

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - India on Friday commissioned its first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, which is also the country's largest warship.

Vikrant was commissioned for the Indian Navy at a ceremony in the southern state of Kerala, which was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to India's Defense Ministry, a 43,000-ton Vikrant (courageous) ship has around 2,200 compartments designed for around 1,600 crew, including "specialized cabins to accommodate women officers and sailors."

At the launch ceremony, Modi said Vikrant, which costs around $2.5 billion, represents "New India's potential, hard work, and commitment."

"If challenges are large, obstacles are many, then the answer is INS Vikrant," he added.

The vessel is 262 meters (860 feet) long and 62 meters (203 feet) wide and is designed with a very high degree of automation for machinery operations, ship navigation, and survivability.

"The carrier is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and systems. The ship would be capable of operating air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising of MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters...," the ministry said.

Officials said the project's indigenous content is approximately 76%, and the indigenous construction of the aircraft carrier is an example of the “Make in India” initiative.

With the commissioning of Vikrant, India has joined "the select group of nations having the niche capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the Make in India thrust of the Government of India," the ministry stated.

It added that the induction and reincarnation of Vikrant is "thus not only another step towards strengthening our defense preparedness but also our humble tribute to the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters for the independence of the nation and our brave soldiers during the 1971 war."

The ministry stated on its official Twitter account that Vikrant is named after "her illustrious predecessor, India’s first Aircraft Carrier which played a vital role in 1971."

The first INS Vikrant was involved in several military operations, including the India-Pakistan war of 1971.

On the occasion, a new ensign flag for the Indian Navy was also unveiled. The new naval ensign replaces a British symbol, as the current ensign features a prominent cross of Saint George, which appears on the UK's national flag.

At the unveiling of the new naval ensign, Modi said, "Today, we have scripted history and let go of our colonial past."​​​​​​​