• Carrier aviation showcases a nation’s ability to project air power from the sea, a capability only a few nations possess.
• The successful operation of aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant demonstrates India’s naval prowess and technological advancements.

WHAT DOES INS VIKRANT SIGNIFY

• INS Vikrant signifies India’s achievement in designing and building its own aircraft carrier, starting from the design phase in 1999.
• A crucial decision was made to develop DMR-249 steel domestically, reducing reliance on Russian imports and enhancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
• The construction of INS Vikrant involved collaboration between multiple entities such as the Steel Authority of India, DRDO, and the Indian Navy, showcasing synergy in defense production.
• The project introduced new processes like 3-D modeling, enhancing India’s shipbuilding industry and paving the way for future innovations.
• From the laying of the keel in 2009 to extensive user acceptance trials, INS Vikrant’s construction marked significant milestones in India’s naval development.
• After successful trials, INS Vikrant was fully operationalized, demonstrating India’s capability to deploy advanced naval assets for strategic purposes.

COMPOSITION OF INS VIKRANT

• Physical Specifications:
  • Total area: 12,450 m2 (equivalent to about two and a half hockey fields)
  • Length: 262 meters
  • Width: 62 meters
  • Powered by four General Electric LM2500 engines generating 88 MW of power
  • Maximum speed: 28 knots
  • Endurance: 7,500 nautical miles
• Cost and Indigenous Content:
  • Built at a cost of around ₹20,000 crore
  • 76% indigenous content, showcasing India’s self-reliance in naval construction
• Accommodations and Facilities:
  • 2,200 compartments
  • Crew capacity: around 1,600, including specialized cabins for women officers and sailors
  • Two galleys providing 4,500-5,000 meals daily, equipped with advanced cooking machinery
  • Facilities include automatic chapati making machines, large cooking boilers, combi-steamers, dosa machine, and ovens for various food preparations
• Economic Impact:
  • Engaged approximately 500 MSMEs, 12,000 employees from ancillary industries, and 2,000 CSL employees, highlighting the employment multiplier effect of shipbuilding.

CAPABILITIES OF INS VIKRANT

• Aircraft Capabilities: Can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters, and Light Combat Aircraft (Navy).
• Launch and Recovery Method:
  • Utilizes the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method for aircraft launch and recovery.
  • Equipped with a ski-jump for launching aircraft and three ‘arrester wires’ for aircraft recovery.
• Flight Deck Operations:
  • Flight deck preparations involve cleaning, briefing of pilots, and starting aircraft operations, engaging approximately 200 personnel.
  • Independent lighting system for night and bad weather operations.
• Precision Landing:
  • Aircraft are safely vectored back to the ship and guided for precision landings using arresting gear wires.
  • Aircraft with speeds over 250 kmph can be stopped within 90m in 2-3 seconds.
• Historical Context: INS Vikrant continues India’s legacy of carrier operations, following vessels like the Vikrant purchased from the UK in 1961, INS Viraat (formerly HMS Hermes) commissioned in 1987, and INS Vikramaditya acquired from Russia in 2013.

FUTURE

• Plan for IAC-II:
  • Indian Navy has proposed a second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II) after INS Vikrant.
  • The IAC-II, displacing 45,000 tonnes, will feature modifications and newer technologies compared to Vikrant.
  • Expected to take 8-10 years for construction with CSL manufacturing it.
• Replacement Dynamics:
  • IAC-II is seen as a timely replacement for INS Vikramaditya, which might reach the end of its operational life.
  • Acknowledgement of the need to maintain a fleet structure with two carriers operational and one in maintenance.
• Global Carrier Developments:
  • Global interest in carriers is growing, with various countries investing in carriers of varying sizes.
  • Notable developments include the U.S.’s new super carriers, the U.K.’s induction of new carriers, and China’s rapid pace in carrier construction.
• Carrier vs. Submarine Debate:
  • Continuation of the debate on the role of carriers versus submarines in naval warfare.
  • Recognition of the complementary roles of carriers and submarines, each with distinct advantages in naval operations.
• Future of Carrier Aviation:
  • Despite challenges like carrier-targeting missiles and drones, carrier aviation’s relevance remains strong globally.
  • Carrier aviation is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in naval strategies for the foreseeable future.