New Delhi: Progress of Sea Trials of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ was reviewed by Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways during onboard visit at sea on October 31, 2021. The ship had sailed out for the second Sea Trials on October 24, 2021.

The maiden sea sortie of the ship was successfully undertaken in August 21. During the maiden Sea Trials, ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, PGD and auxiliary equipment was satisfactory.

The IAC designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a Public Sector Shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPS&W).

The Indigenous design and construction of Aircraft Carrier by Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Ltd. is a shining example in the Nation’s quest for AtmaNirbhar Bharat and ‘Make in India’ Initiative with more than 76% indigenous content. This has led to growth in indigenous design and construction capabilities, besides development of large number of ancillary industries, with employment opportunities for over 2000 CSL personnel and about 12000 employees in ancillary industries.

Indigenous content towards procurement of equipment, besides work by CSL and their subcontractors is being directly invested back into the Indian economy. Around 550 Indian firms including about 100 MSMEs are registered with CSL, who are providing various services for construction of IAC.

The ship is now progressing with second phase of Sea Trials, during which detailed trials and testing of propulsion machinery, electrical & electronics suites, deck machinery, lifesaving appliances and ship systems is being progressed. Progress of Sea Trials of IAC was reviewed by Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways during onboard visit at sea on October 31, 2021. After witnessing the Sea Trials, the Hon’ble Minister impressed upon CSL to ensure timely delivery of the ship in April 2022 to realise commissioning of the ship by August 2022 to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

With the delivery of IAC, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the ‘Make in India’ thrust of GoI.