INS Vikrant: India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier – History, Design & Significance

Introduction to INS Vikrant

INS Vikrant is a monumental achievement for India’s defense and engineering capabilities. Officially commissioned on September 2, 2022, it became the first aircraft carrier to be indigenously designed and built in India. With this, India joined a select group of nations capable of constructing such powerful warships.

In this article, we delve into the history, design, features, and significance of INS Vikrant in shaping India’s maritime power.

Historical Background

The name “Vikrant” means courageous or victorious. The original INS Vikrant (R11) was India’s first aircraft carrier, acquired from the United Kingdom and commissioned in 1961. It played a crucial role during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The new Vikrant (IAC-1) revives this legendary name, reflecting India’s self-reliant vision under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

⚙️ Design and Specifications

Dimensions and Displacement

Length: 262 meters
Width: 62 meters
Displacement: Around 43,000 tonnes
Speed: Over 28 knots (52 km/h)

This makes INS Vikrant comparable in size and strength to several global aircraft carriers.

Propulsion and Power

Powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, INS Vikrant generates enough energy to run a small town. It has dual runways (for launch and recovery) and a ski-jump for STOBAR operations (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery).

Aircraft Capacity and Defense Systems

Aircraft Capacity: 30 aircraft (MiG-29K fighters, Kamov-31 helicopters, and future TEDBF)
Surface-to-air missiles, multi-barrel rocket launchers, and close-in weapon systems (CIWS) provide layered defense.
Equipped with modern sensors and combat management systems for rapid response.

Significance in Indian Naval History

Strategic Autonomy: Reduces dependence on foreign defense imports.
Symbol of Power: Enhances India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Industrial Boost: Over 76% indigenous content involving 550 Indian companies and 2,000+ workers.
National Pride: A symbol of India’s growing military and technological capability.

INS Vikrant vs INS Vikramaditya

Feature	INS Vikrant (IAC-1)	INS Vikramaditya
Origin	Made in India	Russian-origin
Commissioned	2022	2013
Aircraft Capacity	30	26–30
Displacement	43,000 tonnes	45,400 tonnes
Power Source	Gas Turbines	Steam Turbines

Both carriers will operate side by side until INS Vikramaditya is phased out, giving India unmatched flexibility.

Sources & References

Final Thoughts

INS Vikrant is not just a warship—it’s a testament to India’s progress, ambition, and vision for a self-reliant future. It reflects the strength of Indian engineering and stands tall as a floating fortress of national pride.