The induction of the mighty Vikrant would also be a testimony of Nations commitment towards Aatma Nirbharta.
Construction of an Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) has indeed been the most prestigious warship building project in the maritime history of India, thus far.
Vikrant is the largest warship to have ever been built in India. It is also the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy.
It is also of great significance, that it was the maiden attempt of Indian Navys in-house Warship Design Bureau (erstwhile Directorate of Naval Design) to embark on this journey along with Cochin Shipyard Limited, who were also building a warship for the first time, shaping up the Vikrant.
The Vikrant is christened after her illustrious predecessor, Indias first aircraft carrier, which played a vital role in the 1971 liberation war. The name Vikrant means ‘victorious and gallant.’
It has been reported that PM Modi will be the Chief Guest at the commissioning ceremony on Friday, September 02, 2022 in Cochin.
The foundation for the prestigious IAC was firmly established in Apr 2005 by ceremonial steel-cutting.
In order to push the indigenization drive, the warship grade steel required for construction of IAC was successfully indigenized through Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in collaboration with Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Indian Navy.
The hull fabrication progressed thereafter, and the ships keel was laid in Feb 2009. The first phase of ship construction was completed with the successful launch of the ship in Aug 2013, as reported.
The 262 m long and 62 m wide Vikrant displaces approximately 43000 T when fully loaded with armory and arsenal of warheads, having a maximum designed speed of 28 knots, with endurance of 7500 nautical miles.
The ship has around 2200 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1600 that include specialized cabins to accommodate women officers and sailors.
The carrier is designed with a very high degree of automation for machinery operations, ship navigation and survivability.
The carrier is equipped with the latest state of the art equipment and systems. (The ship boasts of a fully-fledged state of the art Medical Complex with latest medical equipment facilities that includes major modular OT, emergency modular OT, physiotherapy clinic, ICU, laboratories, CT scanner, X-Ray machines, Dental complex, Isolation ward and telemedicine facilities etc.)
Being, cohesive, silent and with combat readiness the ship would house its operating air wing consisting of 30 fighter aircraft comprising of MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy).
Using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR), the IAC is equipped with a ski-jump for launching aircraft, and a set of three arrester wires for their recovery onboard.
In Spite of COVID related imponderables and restrictions, adversely affecting availability of OEMs & supply chain, readiness of ships propulsion and Power generation equipment/ systems in harbour was tested as part of Basin Trials in Nov 20.
Vikrant has successfully completed multiple phases of Sea Trials from Aug 21 to till date, where the ships performance, including response of ships hull to various conditions of operations, maneuvering trials, main propulsion, Power Generation and Distribution (PGD), ships Navigation and Communication systems, endurance testing of propulsion machinery, electrical & electronic suites, deck machinery, life saving appliances, integrated trials of majority of equipment/ systems and trials of other auxiliary equipment were ascertained and proved to the satisfaction of Indian Navys trials team and ships crew.
In line with the prevailing practices being followed by other advanced countries having experience of building Aircraft Carrier, the deck integration trials of fixed wing aircraft and exploitation of Aviation Facility Complex will be carried out post commissioning of the ship, when the operational command & control of the ship, including flight safety, is with the Navy.
Vikrant has large number of indigenous equipment and machinery, involving major industrial houses in the country viz. BEL, BHEL, GRSE, Keltron, Kirloskar, L&T, Wartsila India to name a few. as well as over 100 MSMEs.
The indigenisation efforts has also led to development of ancillary industries, besides generation of employment opportunities for 2000 CSL personnel and about 13000 employees in ancillary industries thus bolstering plough back effect on Nations economy.
A major spin off of building an Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is the development and production of indigenous warship grade steel for the ship through partnership between Navy, DRDO and SAIL, which has enabled the country to become self-sufficient with respect to warship steel.
In a nutshell, indigenous content of the project is approx. 76% as ascertained, ensuing the commissioning of Vikrant on 02 Sep 22, India would join the select group of nations having the niche capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the Make in India thrust by the Government of India.
Expressing his sense of gratitude, VCNS, Indian Navy – Vice Admiral Satish N Ghormade said, It is going to be a historic moment, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of crew of ex-Vikrant, the illustrious predecessor after which Indigenous Aircraft Carrier will be christened and which had played a monumental role during the 1971 war to liberate Bangladesh
Commissioning of Vikrant would be a proud and landmark moment showcasing the countrys zeal and fervour in pursuing capability build up towards enhanced maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and shall demonstrate Indian Navys unwavering commitment to contribute towards peace and stability in the maritime domain.
The induction and reincarnation of Vikrant is thus not only another step towards strengthening our defence preparedness but also our humble tribute to the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters for the independence of the nation and our brave soldiers during the 1971 war.
The author is a Delhi-based, DCC qualified, defence beat writer and independent contributor to print and online publications
Views are personal