Kochi (Kerala): The country’s largest ever and first indigenous aircraft carrier ‘INS Vikrant’ with around 2,200 rooms designed for around 1,600 crew members has been dedicated to the nation on Friday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the largest aircraft in India’s maritime history and indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is an example of the government’s commitment to make India’s defence sector self-reliant.
“INS Vikrant is an example of the government’s commitment to make India’s defence sector self-reliant. With INS Vikrant, India has joined the select group of countries that can build aircraft carriers on their own. Prime Minister Modi said that he dedicates this battleship Vikrant to Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji. “Chhatrapati Veer Shivaji Maharaj built such a navy on the strength of this sea power, which gave sleepless nights to the enemies. ’
Indian Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral SN Ghoramade earlier said that INS Vikrant will contribute to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region.
He said the grounding trials on INS Vikrant will begin in November and will be completed by mid-2023. The MiG-29K jets will operate from the warship for the first few years, he said.
With Vikrant coming into service, India will join a select group of countries like the US, UK, Russia, China and France that have the capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier, which will be a real testimony to the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.