In a ceremonial event steeped in naval tradition, Captain Ashok Rao, NM, officially took command of INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, from Commodore Birendra S Bains. The change of command took place aboard the 45,000-tonne vessel, symbolizing the Indian Navy’s focus on indigenous excellence and operational preparedness in the Indo-Pacific.
Captain Rao, a distinguished officer from the 52nd course at the Naval Academy, brings substantial leadership experience to the role. His prior commands include INS Visakhapatnam, INS Kora, and INS Nishank, alongside a tenure as Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Colombo. His appointment is expected to bolster INS Vikrant’s operational capabilities and strategic role in regional security.
The formal proceedings unfolded on the expansive flight deck of INS Vikrant, featuring a ceremonial parade, a guard of honor, and the traditional exchange of salutes. INS Vikrant, constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited and commissioned in 2013, stands as a hallmark of India’s naval engineering, measuring 262 meters in length and 62 meters in width.
Designed for a versatile air wing, the carrier can host up to 36 aircraft, including 26 fixed-wing combat jets such as the MiG-29K. Future plans include the induction of 26 Rafale M F4 jets, approved in 2023, further elevating its air power. The vessel also accommodates helicopters like the Dhruv MK-III, Sikorsky MH-60R, and Kamov Ka-31 for multi-role missions.
INS Vikrant features a STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) configuration and incorporates two aircraft elevators strategically positioned to support simultaneous flight and elevator operations. This design advantage over INS Vikramaditya, which operates with a single, centrally located elevator, enhances sortie generation and operational flexibility.
Command operations are centered from the bridge, overseen by the captain, while flight operations are managed by FLYCO (Flight Control Position), an elevated control tower with a 10-meter vantage point for optimal visibility over the flight deck.
The leadership change aboard INS Vikrant reinforces the Indian Navy’s long-term vision of building a self-reliant maritime force. Named in honor of India’s first aircraft carrier, decommissioned in 1997, the current Vikrant continues to play a vital role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and projecting power in key sea lanes.
