New Delhi: Indian Navy is expected to commission the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier by the next year that would offer an incomparable military instrument to project Air Power over long distances.
“IAC has nearly 75 per cent indigenous content – from design to steel used in construction to key weapons and sensors, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed today.
Defence Minister has reviewed the progress of construction of the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd today.
The IAC would be commissioned as INS Vikrant in the first half of 2022, which would be the most potent sea-based asset, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The ship shall operate 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, it said.
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, it added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed satisfaction at the progress of construction of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, describing it as a shining example of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards a strong Indian Navy, saying that “IAC and Project Seabird at Karwar, which will be the Asia’s largest Naval Base, as the examples of our unwavering focus”.
He recalled a recent approval accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council for RFP of Project 75-I under the Strategic Partnership model, which will give further fillip to indigenous development of niche manufacturing technologies.
On the Galwan incident, Rajnath Singh said Indian Navy’s proactive forward deployment signalled that the country wants peace but is ready for any eventuality.
“Indian Navy remains poised and combat ready to tackle any challenge,” he said.
