Integration of INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya

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Context:  Indian Navy puts on dis- play its multi-carrier operations, INS Vikramaditya and more than 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea.

More about the news

• INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant were displayed in the Ocean.
• Indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is set to become fully operational later this year.
• This is significant in projecting India’s power as a major power in the Indian Ocean.

About INS Vikramaditya:

• The ship was formally commissioned on 16 November 2013 after buying it from Russia.
• INS Vikramaditya, is a Modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier, a floating airfield Standing of about 20 storeys tall from keel to the highest point.
• Aircraft components are MiG 29K, Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Seaking, ALH, Chetak.
• INS Vikramaditya with speeds of up to 30 knots, she is powered by 08 new generation steam boilers generating a total output power of 180,000 SHP.
• It has an extensive revamp of sensors including fitment of Long range Air Surveillance Radars, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite makes the ship capable of maintaining a surveillance bubble of over 500 kms around the ship.
• Vikramaditya is capable of launching Aircraft without Catapult, the process is called Short Takeoff but Arrested landing (STOBAR).

INS Vikrant:

• INS Vikrant is an aircraft carrier in service with the Indian Navy, under the Project 71 Air Defence Ship (ADS).
• The carrier is the first to be built in India and was constructed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kerala.
• The namesake Vikrant is a tribute to India's first aircraft carrier INS Vikrant (1961).
• Vikrant means "courageous" in Sanskrit.
• In 2022, designation for the vessel had been changed from Air Defence Ship (ADS) to Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC).
• Work on the ship's design began in 1999 and it was finally inducted in 2022.
• It has STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) design with a pronounced ski jump.
• F-18 Hornet is being used as a primary aircraft for the INS Vikrant.

Importance of Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant:

• INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, serve as 'floating sovereign airfields', providing a launch platform for a wide array of aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, MH60R, Kamov, Sea King, Chetak and ALH helicopters.
• These mobile bases can be positioned anywhere, allowing for increased mission flexibility.
• They can timely respond to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard our national interests across the globe.
• In addition, they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our 'collective' security needs in the Region.
• They serve as a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority.

Conclusion

Aircraft Carriers are very important to enhance the capability of Indian Armed Forces.  As India continues to strengthen its security apparatus, the significance of Aircraft Carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nation's defence strategy and promoting regional stability.

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