India finally commissions its first indigenous aircraft carrier
The Indian Navy commissioned the carrier INS Vikrant on 2 September, nearly seven years behind schedule. (IN)
It took many, many years longer than anticipated, but the Indian Navy has finally got its hands on an indigenously built aircraft carrier.
The Indian Navy (IN) commissioned its 43,000t INS Vikrant aircraft carrier on 2 September, but it will only be fully operational by late 2023, senior officials said.
Delayed by nearly seven years, INS Vikrant cost INR200 billion ($2.52 billion), almost six times its expected price.
Officials said flight trials on the short-take-off-but-arrested-recovery carrier would begin in November. The aim is to integrate MiG-29K/KUB fighters, a task that should be completed around mid-2023.
Designed by the navy’s Warship Design Bureau in Delhi, and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the carrier’s keel was laid in 2009.
The postponements were due
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs]()
NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
-
![Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution]()
Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution
The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
