INS VIKRANT

Recently, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) 1 named INS Vikrant, started sea trials (one of the last phases of trials).
It is likely to be commissioned in 2022. At present, India has only one aircraft carrier, the Russian-origin INS Vikramaditya.
Earlier, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved issuance of Request for Proposal (RFP) for six advanced submarines for the Indian Navy under Project-75I.

Important points:

The vessel, to be named Vikrant after the decommissioned maiden carrier of the Navy.
India acquired the Vikrant from the United Kingdom in 1961, and the carrier played a stellar role in the 1971 war with Pakistan that led to the birth of Bangladesh.
Over 76% of the material and equipment on board IAC-1 is indigenous.
It will have an air component of 30 aircraft, comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 airborne early warning helicopters and the soon-to-be-inducted MH-60R multi-role helicopter, besides the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters.
It is expected to have a top speed of 30 knots (approximately 55 kmph) and is propelled by four gas turbines. Its endurance is 7,500 nautical miles at 18 knots (32 kmph) speed.
The shipborne weapons include Barak LR SAM and AK-630, while it has MFSTAR and RAN-40L 3D radars as sensors. The vessel has a Shakti EW (Electronic Warfare) Suite.
It has a pair of runways and a ‘short take off but arrested recovery’ system to control aircraft operations.

Significance:

Adds Combat and Sea Control Capability, especially in the Indian Ocean Region.
Increased Ability of Air Power: It would offer an incomparable military instrument with its ability to project air power over long distances, including air interdiction, anti-surface warfare, offensive and defensive counter-air, airborne anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning.
Self-Reliance: Only five or six nations currently have the capability of manufacturing an aircraft carrier — India joins this elite club now.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT

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