Context:

• The country’s maiden indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1), built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd., sets off for sea trials off Kochi.
• Like Vikramaditya, IAC-1 has a STOBAR (short take off but arrested recovery) system of aircraft launch and recovery on the flight deck.
• The carrier is armed with the Barak LR-SAM (long range surface-to-air missile) air defence and AK-630 close-in weapon system besides a slew of advanced sensors and an electronic warfare suite.
• The IAC-1 construction catapulted India into an elite league of countries capable of building complex aircraft carriers.

Italian, Russian help

• While the design was done with help from the Italian firm Fincantieri, the Russians collaborated in designing and developing the aviation complex.

INS Vikrant

• The IAC would be commissioned as INS Vikrant in the first half of 2022, which would be the most potent sea-based asset.
• It is expected to have a top speed of 30 knots (approximately 55 kmph) and is propelled by four gas turbines.
• Its endurance is 7,500 nautical miles at 18 knots (32 kmph) speed.
• The vessel can carry up to 1,500 personnel and has 2,300 compartments.
• The ship shall operate MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Kamov-31 Air Early Warning Helicopters, the soon to be inducted MH-60R multi-role helicopter and the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters.
• With an overall length of 263 metre and a breadth of 63 metre, it is the largest vessel made in India and carries a price tag of about ₹20,000 crore.

It has ability to project Air Power over long distances, including Air Interdiction, Anti-Surface Warfare, offensive and defensive Counter-Air, Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare and Airborne Early Warning.

Significance of IAC:

• IAC is a shining example of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ as it has nearly 75 per cent indigenous content - from design to steel used in construction to key weapons and sensors.
• It help secure India's interests in maritime domain.
• It will help to realize the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the wider goal of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific to ensure peace and stability in the region.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/maiden-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-starts-sea-trials-off-kochi/article35715620.ece?homepage=true

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