In a significant event for the Indian Navy, President Droupadi Murmu is set to embark on the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to observe naval operations at sea on Thursday. This momentous occasion marks the first time that the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces will be onboard the newly commissioned aircraft carrier, where she will witness a comprehensive demonstration of various naval capabilities.
The Indian Navy has organized a series of operations that will showcase the full spectrum of multi-domain naval activities. These operations will include maneuvering of surface ships, tactical battle actions, submarine exercises, and a demonstration of air power. A highlight of the event will be the take-offs and landings conducted by deck-based fighter aircraft and helicopters, alongside a flypast by naval aircraft, all designed to illustrate the advanced operational capabilities of INS Vikrant.
Upon her arrival in Goa, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, will personally welcome President Murmu at INS Hansa, the Naval Air Station. The President will be honored with a Ceremonial Guard of Honour comprising 150 personnel before she boards the INS Vikrant for her maritime excursion.
INS Vikrant, representing a landmark achievement in India’s shipbuilding capabilities, stands as the largest vessel ever constructed in the country’s maritime history. With an impressive 76 percent indigenous content, the carrier features machinery and equipment developed by prominent Indian industrial houses as well as contributions from over 100 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The keel for this vessel was laid in February 2009, and it was officially commissioned into service in September 2022. The name “Vikrant” pays tribute to its historic predecessor, India’s first aircraft carrier, which was instrumental during the 1971 war.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, INS Vikrant integrates state-of-the-art automation features into its design. The carrier measures 262.5 meters in length and 61.6 meters in width, with a displacement of approximately 43,000 tonnes, enhancing its operational effectiveness in modern naval warfare. This event not only highlights the capabilities of the Indian Navy but also symbolizes India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
