INS Vikrant: India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier -

UPSC RELEVANCE-: Security – Defence Technology and Maritime Security

Why in News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel onboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier.He praised the armed forces for their courage and success in Operation Sindoor, underscoring India’s growing maritime strength and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Background

INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is India’s first home-built aircraft carrier, marking a historic milestone in the country’s defence capability under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
It revives the legacy of the original INS Vikrant, which played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, symbolising India’s naval pride and heritage.
The carrier was commissioned on 2nd September 2022 at Kochi by the Prime Minister.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and designed by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND), it demonstrates India’s ability to design, build, and operate complex naval systems indigenously.

Key Features of INS Vikrant

Feature	Details
Length & Size	262 metres long, 62 metres wide, and 18 decks high — about two football fields in length.
Displacement	Approximately 45,000 tonnes, making it the largest warship ever built in India.
Aircraft Capacity	Can carry up to 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. Future plans include deployment of indigenous naval aircraft.
Crew & Infrastructure	Accommodates 1,600 personnel, features 2,400 compartments, and has facilities like a 16-bed hospital — functioning as a “city at sea.”
Propulsion	Powered by four gas turbines, achieving a top speed of 28 knots (around 52 km/h).
Operational Readiness	Achieved full operational clearance in 2024 and is now part of the Western Naval Command.

Strategic Significance

Maritime Dominance in the Indian Ocean:Enhances India’s blue-water naval capability, allowing extended operations, surveillance, and humanitarian assistance across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Power Projection and Deterrence:Strengthens India’s sea-based deterrence and ensures power projection far beyond its shores, reinforcing its role as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific.
Boost to Self-Reliance:Built with 76% indigenous content, INS Vikrant showcases India’s technological and industrial advancement under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Operational Flexibility:Capable of multi-role missions — from maritime warfare to disaster relief and evacuation operations — reflecting India’s evolving defence posture.

Conclusion

INS Vikrant is not merely a warship but a symbol of India’s engineering excellence and strategic autonomy.Its induction marks a major leap in India’s transformation from a regional naval force to a global maritime power.As India strengthens its presence in the Indo-Pacific, the Vikrant stands as a testament to the nation’s resolve to protect its maritime interests and uphold peace in the region.

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions:

Q1.Consider the following statements about INS Vikrant (IAC-1):

It is the first indigenously built aircraft carrier of India.
It has a displacement of around 45,000 tonnes.
It can carry up to 50 aircraft including fighter jets and helicopters.
It is powered by nuclear propulsion.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. All of the above

Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier.
Displacement is around 45,000 tonnes.
It can carry 30 aircraft, not 50.
Propulsion is gas turbines, not nuclear.

Q2.With reference to INS Vikrant, consider the following statements:

It is part of India’s Western Naval Command.
It was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
It was commissioned in 2024 by the Prime Minister of India.