Mumbai: In a major boost to India's maritime capabilities, the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant has officially joined the Western Naval Fleet, enhancing the nation's naval strength in the Arabian Sea. This addition marks a significant leap in India's naval power, especially along its western front.
With the integration of INS Vikrant, India now boasts two fully operational aircraft carriers in the Western Fleet – INS Vikrant and the Russian-origin INS Vikramaditya. Both vessels are stationed at Karwar, Karnataka, home to the Indian Navy's major base. This dual-carrier presence underscores India’s increasing focus on securing its maritime interests and projecting power across the region.
The Western Naval Command proudly announced the induction of INS Vikrant on its social media account, highlighting the carrier's incorporation through multi-domain exercises and twin-carrier fighter operations in the Arabian Sea. These exercises aim to demonstrate India’s capability for large-scale, coordinated naval operations involving multiple ships, submarines, and aircraft.
Twin-Carrier Operations to Showcase India's Naval Strength
The 45,000-tonne INS Vikrant joined forces with INS Vikramaditya in the Arabian Sea for its first operational exercise, showcasing the Indian Navy's twin-carrier capabilities. Such operations significantly enhance India's strategic ability to maintain a powerful presence in regional waters and beyond.
The carrier battle group, led by INS Vikramaditya, includes multiple supporting vessels, such as fleet supply ships and submarines, forming a comprehensive maritime strike force. This group is expected to strengthen India's security posture in the region, allowing rapid response to potential threats and increasing the Navy’s operational reach.
Equipped and Ready for Deployment
INS Vikrant, commissioned on September 2, 2022, has now completed all its post-commissioning enhancements, including a minor re-fit at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The aircraft carrier is now fully operational, with its fighter jets, MiG-29Ks, integrated into the deck. Additionally, the vessel has been fitted with advanced surface-to-air missile systems, including the Barak NG missiles developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
With these cutting-edge systems, INS Vikrant is now prepared for deployment, further securing India's maritime borders. The induction of this indigenous aircraft carrier is a testament to India's growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its commitment to modernizing its naval fleet.
A New Era of Naval Power
The inclusion of INS Vikrant alongside INS Vikramaditya represents a turning point for the Indian Navy, allowing for simultaneous carrier operations that enhance India's offensive and defensive capabilities at sea. As India continues to focus on strengthening its maritime dominance, the two-carrier fleet stands as a powerful symbol of the country’s naval aspirations.
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