Meet INS Vikrant, PM Narendra Modi commissions Indian Navy's first 'Make-in-India' aircraft carrier: IN PICS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant on 2 Sept 2022, putting the country in a select group of countries with the domestic capability to develop such large vessels.

The commissioning of INS Vikrant was done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Ajay Bhat, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

The INS Vikrant is named after its predecessor, that played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, into the Navy.

When fully loaded, the 262 m long and 62 m wide carrier displaces approximately 43000 T and has a maximum designed speed of 28 knots and an endurance of 7500 NM.

INS Vikrant was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore, and in addition to the locally produced Advanced Light Helicopters, it includes cutting-edge features and can operate an air wing comprising of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter planes (ALH).

Talking about INS Vikrant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about certain features of the aircraft carrier -- which he described as a "floating airfield, a floating town" -- and said the power generated in it can light up 5,000 houses. He further added,"INS Vikrant is not a mere war machine but proof of India's skill and talent. It is special, different." 

Each component of INS Vikrant has its own strengths and qualities. It stands for the potential, resources, and skills of the indigenous people. Additionally, indigenous DRDO scientists and Indian businesses researched and produced the steel used in the airbase.