On September 2, India's indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant will be put into service.

• Image Credit: Internet

• Aug 25, 2022 | Sourav Boruah

Digital Desk: According to the Navy,
India is on track to become just the sixth nation to own an aircraft carrier
that was manufactured domestically and weighs more than 40,000 tonnes. The
United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and France are additional
nations that can boast of such a military resource. The commissioning of the
Indian Naval Ship Vikrant will take place on September 2 in Kerala, and Prime
Minister Narendra Modi will be present.

Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, speaking
to reporters today, stated that the commissioning would support stability and
peace in the Indo-Pacific area. The Vice Admiral emphasised that the
commissioning will demonstrate India's domestic military strength.
Additionally, he urged military R&D organisations to work on developing
domestic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) similar to the US-made Predators.

5 things to know about Vikrant, an
indigenous aircraft carrier:

Vikrant, which was constructed for
about 20,000 crore, finished the fourth and last stage of sea trials last
month. A astounding 76% of the ship was created domestically; it is a symbol of
"national unity" and was constructed in pieces throughout 18 states
and union territories.

Vikrant has 2,200 compartments and
is 260 metres long by 60 metres broad. Female Agniveer sailors and female
officers would have separate quarters.

The Navy, the Defense Research and
Development Organization (DRDO), and Steel Authority of India Limited
collaborated to produce warship-grade steel for the carrier (SAIL).

Although Vikrant was built to accommodate the MiG-29K
fighter jet, the Navy eventually plans to use the locally produced Twin Engine
Deck-Based Fighter, or TED-BF. In the interim, Rafale and F-18 aircraft would
be stationed on Vikrant, according to Vice Admiral Ghormade.

Vikrant can accommodate up to 36 fighter jets when fully
equipped, with 19 on the flight deck and 17 in the hangars below.