INS Vikrant: India's Naval Powerhouse Built at Home

A New Era in Indian Naval Might Begins

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood on the flight deck of INS Vikrant on September 2, 2022, he wasn’t just commissioning a warship — he was announcing India's arrival as a self-reliant military force on the global stage.

INS Vikrant isn’t just steel, bolts, and radar — it's a statement. A bold declaration that India can design, build, and deploy one of the most complex machines in military history — a full-scale aircraft carrier.

What Makes INS Vikrant So Special?

Let’s begin with the obvious: INS Vikrant is 100% Made in India. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the supervision of the Indian Navy, it stands tall as the first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1) India has ever created.

With a massive 45,000-ton displacement, the warship is essentially a floating airbase. It can carry up to 30 aircraft, host 1,600+ crew members, and sail for thousands of nautical miles without needing to dock. It’s the largest ship ever built in India.

From Blueprint to Sea: The Making of Vikrant

The journey of INS Vikrant wasn’t overnight — it took over a decade of engineering, problem-solving, and innovation.

Over 500 Indian companies, including BHEL, BEL, L&T, and even small MSMEs, contributed parts, expertise, and systems to bring this naval giant to life. Nearly 76% of its components are Indian-made, making it a true Make in India marvel.

INS Vikrant: Full Technical Specifications

Here's a breakdown of what INS Vikrant brings to the battlefield:

Airborne Arsenal: What Can INS Vikrant Launch?

The core of any aircraft carrier is its air wing. INS Vikrant follows the STOBAR system — Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery — using a ski-jump ramp for fighter jets to lift off and arrestor wires to land.

Fighter Jets:

MiG-29K – Supersonic, carrier-capable jets currently in service

HAL Naval Tejas – India’s indigenous naval fighter (still being evaluated)

🚁 Helicopters:

MH-60R Seahawks – Multi-role helis for anti-submarine warfare

Kamov Ka-31 – Airborne early warning (AEW&C) helicopters

HAL Dhruv – Indian utility helicopters

This mix of air power allows Vikrant to strike, surveil, rescue, and defend in open waters — all without ever docking.

Defensive and Combat Systems Onboard

While its aircraft pack the punch, INS Vikrant has its own defensive systems to protect against incoming threats:

Barak-8 missile system: Surface-to-air missiles with long-range interception capability

AK-630 CIWS: Close-in weapon systems to destroy incoming missiles or aircraft

Advanced radar and EW suites: Sophisticated sensors for 360-degree awareness and jamming

Combined, these make Vikrant a floating fortress.

Smart Design, Built for War and Peace

Beyond its size, Vikrant is a smart ship — fitted with:

Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for real-time machinery monitoring

Combat Management System (CMS) for tracking and engaging threats

Modular design for quicker upgrades

Onboard hospital, cafeteria, desalination plants, and self-sustaining power systems

It’s a city at sea — ready to fight, save, and survive.

🇮🇳 INS Vikrant: Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat

One of the biggest triumphs of Vikrant is what it represents — self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Previously, aircraft carriers like the original INS Vikrant (R11) and INS Viraat were acquired from the UK. But today, India joins an elite club of countries (U.S., UK, France, China, Russia) capable of designing and building an aircraft carrier on their own.

That’s a generational leap in naval capability.

How Does INS Vikrant Compare Globally?

While not the biggest, Vikrant is highly capable and optimized for regional supremacy — especially across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

What’s Next? INS Vishal and Future Plans

India is already preparing for IAC-2: INS Vishal, a larger, nuclear-powered carrier that may use CATOBAR technology with EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System), allowing even heavier aircraft to launch.

INS Vikrant is just the beginning. India aims to maintain a 3-carrier fleet to ensure full-time coverage across both eastern and western seaboards.

Did You Know? Fun Facts About INS Vikrant

Vikrant has 2,300+ compartments, a fully equipped medical bay, and even an aviation hangar with elevators.

It was designed using 3D modeling software to simulate performance even before metal was cut.

The ship can generate its own fresh water from seawater.

A special ₹20 coin was released in Vikrant’s honor.

Read More: What is the S-400 Missile System? Power, Range, and India’s Strategic Game-Changer

INS Vikrant: A Bold Step Toward a Safer, Stronger India

In a world where sea power defines strategy, INS Vikrant gives India an edge — not just militarily but diplomatically and economically. From safeguarding trade routes to deterring potential threats, it’s a floating declaration that India is ready for the 21st-century maritime game.

This ship is more than military muscle. It’s aspiration turned into action, design turned into dominance, and vision turned into victory.

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