INS Vikrant integrated with fleet, ready for deployment

India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, has been fully integrated into the Navy’s fleet and is now ready for operational deployment. The 45,000-tonne warship joined its counterpart, INS Vikramaditya, in a major exercise in the Arabian Sea, marking the debut of ‘twin-carrier’ operations.

The Indian Navy’s Western Command announced the development, emphasising the enhanced maritime capabilities that INS Vikrant brings to the fleet. As part of the carrier battle group led by INS Vikramaditya, INS Vikrant will operate alongside various ships, submarines, and fleet supply vessels.

Commissioned in September 2022, INS Vikrant has now integrated its MiG-29K fighter jets and its onboard surface-to-air missile system Barak NG, developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The carrier’s deck is also equipped with an Optical Landing System (OLS) for precision jet landings, functioning similarly to civilian airport landing systems.

In addition, INS Vikrant will receive data from UAVs such as the Predator, Boeing P-8I surveillance planes, and the naval satellite Rukmini. Recently, the ship underwent a minor refit at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), ensuring it is fully prepared for sustained naval operations.