Navy to get first India-built aircraft carrier next year
09 Jan 2020
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India’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier Vikrant being manufactured at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is likely to be commissioned by early 2021 and will be fully operational, with a fleet of MiG-29K aircraft, by 2022.
The first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant complemented with MiG-29K aircraft will be showcased as part of the Navy’s tableau during the ceremonial parade on Rajpath on the Republic Day.
The Indian Navy’s tableau for the Republic Day Parade will showcase the indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant under construction at Cochin Shipyard Limited, along with its complement of MiG 29K fighter aircraft, as part of the indigenisation of defence production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the government.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) signed the Phase-III contract for construction of the indigenous aircraft carrier on 31 October 2019. Phase-III contract covers the operational and harbour acceptance trials of various equipment and systems installed onboard and also the sea trials of the carrier. The contract also covers some activities which are to be undertaken post delivery of the vessel, including support during weapon and aviation trials.
The third phase of construction of the carrier will go on till acceptance of harbour and sea trials, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh said on 3 December 2019.
Aviation trials would also take a year or so after that and Vikrant will be fully operational by 2022 with its fleet of MiG-29K aircraft.
The third phase of construction will go on till acceptance of harbour and sea trials.
The manufacturing of the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant is currently under phase three which involves setting to work of machinery and other equipment and it is likely to be commissioned by early 2021, sources said on Wednesday.
Phase three of the construction of Vikrant is under progress, which involves setting to work of machinery and equipment, like power generation and propulsion machinery.
The third phase of construction will go on till acceptance of harbour and sea trials, sources and the carrier is likely to be commissioned by early 2021.
Aviation trials would also take a year or so after that, they added.
