The second sea trials of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant began, ahead of her anticipated induction into the Indian Navy in August next year. In August, the 40,000-tonne aircraft carrier, India’s largest and most sophisticated warship, successfully conducted a five-day maiden sea cruise.
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KEY POINTS:
- The Navy stated that the performance of the warship’s key systems was found to be satisfactory following the first sea trials.
- The battleship was built at a cost of approximately 23,000 crore, propelling India into a restricted group of countries with the capability to develop cutting-edge aircraft carriers.
- MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, and MH-60R multi-role helicopters will be used by the warship.
- It features almost 2,300 compartments, with specialised quarters for female officers, and is meant for a crew of around 1,700 people.
- According to officials, Vikrant has a top speed of roughly 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots, with a range of about 7,500 nautical miles.
- The IAC is 262 metres long, 62 metres wide, and stands 59 metres tall. It has been under construction since 2009.
- Cochin Shipyard Limited constructed the warship.
- INS Vikramaditya is India’s only aircraft carrier at the moment.
- In light of China’s expanding military presence in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy has been working on greatly enhancing its overall capabilities.
- The Indian Navy considers the Indian Ocean to be its backyard, and it is vital to the nation’s strategic interests.