The IAC would be commissioned as INS Vikrant in the first half of 2022, which would be the most potent sea-based asset.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed the progress of construction of first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) built by Cochin Shipyard at Kochi in Kerala.
Singh visited the construction site and was appraised of the progress achieved on integration of a number of other navigational, communication and operational systems since then, as it prepares for its maiden Contractor Sea Trials (CST) which is expected in the forthcoming months.
He also expressed satisfaction at the progress of construction of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, describing it as a shining example of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Here’s everything that you need to know about the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier(IAC):
• The project was originally approved by the NDA government and has made significant progress in recent past despite Covid-19.
• The IAC would be commissioned as INS Vikrant in the first half of 2022, which would be the most potent sea-based asset.
• The ship will operate 40 MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Kamov-31 Air Early Warning Helicopters, the soon to be inducted MH-60R multi-role helicopter and the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters mk3. Later Indian navy planing to replace MiG-29K with homemade TEDBF.
• 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.
• The IAC has nearly 75 per cent indigenous content – from design to steel used in construction to key weapons and sensors. According to the Indian navy, INS Vikrant is the most complex warship building project to have been indigenously designed and built.
• It is believed that the combat capability, reach and versatility of the aircraft carrier will add formidable capabilities in the defence and help secure India’s interests in the maritime domain.
• The IAC is 262 metres long and 62 metres wide and has a STOBAR (short takeoff but arrested recovery) configuration with a ski jump capability. The ship displacement with full loaded is 45000 tons
• India latest aircraft carrier 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.
• For close range defence, INS Vikrant is equipped with four OTO Melara 76mm dual-purpose cannons, four AK-630M close-in weapon systems(CIWS). It also has two 32 cell VLS (Vertical Launch System), capable of firing 64 missiles in total. It is equipped with the Israeli-Indian Barak 1 surface to air missile for short range (12KM) and the Barak 8 (100km) for long range defence against aerial targets including fighters, helicopters, drones and missiles.
The ship is equipped with EL/M-2248 MF-STAR multifunction active electronically scanned array naval radar system capable of tracking both air and surface targets and providing fire control guidance with a maximum range of 450 KM and Indra lanza 3D L band search radar for long range maritime air surveillance and early warning. The radar uses a fully solid state active phased array antenna and capable of tracking and detecting air targets like aircraft or drones up to 470 km away