Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Defense Ministry unveiled the colossal INS Vikrant amid the growing terror of Chinese territorial bullying. The 860 ft long and 203 ft wide aircraft carrier weighs about 45,000 tonnes and is a substantial addition to the Indian Naval Force.
The Indian Navy has made its mark by proving that its worthy force can self-sufficiently operate on global grounds with the inauguration of the mighty INS Vikrant. Consequently, India is tenaciously moving forward in potentially becoming a true blue water naval force capable of navigating and defending its soil in the deep water open ocean. This addition to India’s military arsenal has raised the country’s defence capabilities bar. Furthermore, this strategic move came as a much-needed defence statement in the wake of the India-China War and China’s growing territorial threats.
On September 2, PM Narendra Modi unveiled the humongous INS Vikrant, which became India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. The inauguration took place in a ceremony at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Kerala. PM also hoisted the new naval ensign termed ‘Nishaan’ as a symbolic gesture on INS Vikrant. Moreover, the PM expressed his sentiments by saying that this iconic aircraft carrier is a result of the collective hard work of Indian talent and their dedication to creating an India as envisioned for the 21st century. He added the immense importance of INS Vikrant as a strategic damage control move meant to tackle national and international crisis scenarios. This showcases that India is more than capable of making highly demanding variants of modern warfare with its talent, skill, and research capabilities.
INS Vikrant was constructed in the Cochin Shipyard Limited, located in Kochi, Kerala, under the Warship Design Bureau (WDB). With this feat, INS Vikrant also entered history for being the first-ever warship to be constructed in India. The name was inspired by its predecessor warship Vikrant 1961, which was the Indian Navy’s Majestic-class aircraft carrier. This iconic addition to the Indian defence arsenal can accommodate up to 26 fighter jets, 4 helicopters, 2 utility helicopters, and 4 multi-shaft engine helicopters. The design of the INS Vikrant commenced in 1999, and construction started in 2009. Aircraft trial runs are set to be concluded by 2023. Although a few parts of the warship were built with assistance, this iconic project can still be said to be the epitome of the Make in India mission and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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Many critics believe the project delivery took more time than expected. The feedback came from the fact that although the design plan was sanctioned in 2003, the trial runs began only in 2021. Whatever the case, INS Vikrant is highly appreciated for being indigenously constructed and was worth all the wait. Utilising the country’s manpower has enabled the project to generate about 85% of the wealth, already contributing to the economic advantages. Furthermore, many jobs and employment opportunities were also generated out of this.
It goes without saying that with great power comes great responsibility. With the addition of INS Vikrant to the Indian Naval resources, the Indian Defense Ministry is concerned with the safe-keeping of the coast and the warship from any skirmishes from the straits of Malacca, Hormuz, Bab-el Mandeb, and the South China Sea.
