President Murmu Witnesses Naval Operations Aboard INS Vikrant

Honorable President Droupadi Murmu embarked on her first visit to Indian Navy ships at sea aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on 7th November. During this significant event, she witnessed a series of advanced operational demonstrations, showcasing the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities and maritime prowess.

Historic Visit

• President Droupadi Murmu embarked on her first visit to Indian Navy ships at sea, boarding the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Ceremonial Welcome 

• Upon arrival at INS Hansa in Goa, President Murmu was received by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. 
• A ceremonial Guard of Honour with 150 personnel was presented in her honor.

Boarding INS Vikrant

• The President embarked on INS Vikrant, along with a fleet of 15 frontline warships and submarines stationed off the coast of Goa. 
• She received a detailed briefing on the Indian Navy’s strategic operations and roles.

Observing Naval Exercises

• President Murmu witnessed several naval demonstrations showcasing the Navy’s operational capabilities.
• Exercises included deck-based fighter jet take-offs and landings, missile firing drills, submarine maneuvers, and a flypast by over 30 aircraft.

Acknowledgment of Navy’s Role in International Rescue

• In her address, President Murmu praised the Indian Navy’s reach and operational excellence, specifically mentioning a recent rescue operation.
• She recalled Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev expressing gratitude for the Navy’s successful rescue of the Bulgarian vessel MV Ruen from Somali pirates, conducted by INS Kolkata.

Gender Inclusivity Milestone

• President Murmu highlighted the Navy’s strides in gender inclusivity under the Agnipath Scheme.
• The Navy recently became the first branch of the armed forces to induct women Agniveers.
• Murmu recognized achievements such as appointing the first woman commanding officer and female pilots in naval aircraft.

Interaction with Female Agniveers 

• President Murmu met with female Agniveers aboard INS Vikrant, marking a symbolic moment in the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity.

Indigenous Defense Milestones

• Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasized India’s advanced capabilities, noting that India is among six nations worldwide to build and operate both SSBNs (nuclear ballistic missile submarines) and aircraft carriers indigenously.
• The fleet demonstration included six conventional submarines from Kalvari, Kilo, and Shishumar classes.

About INS Vikrant

• It is the first ever indigenously designed and constructed aircraft carrier which will strengthen the country’s stand as a ‘Blue Water Navy’.
• The ship has been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited.
• India also joined the elite group of nations – the US, Russia, France, the UK and China – who are capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers.
• Also, with a displacement of 43,000 tonnes when fully loaded, INS Vikrant is set to be the seventh largest among the carriers or carrier classes in the world.

What are its capabilities?

• It can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft (Navy).
• It uses the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method to launch and recover aircraft for which it is equipped with a ski- jump to launch aircraft, and three ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery.