New Delhi, April 25, 2025 — India’s homegrown aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, is now fully operational, strengthening the Indian Navy’s strategic reach and self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Designed and built in India, this warship reflects a major milestone in Indigenous defence production and maritime power projection.
Commissioned in September 2022 and combat-ready by late 2023, INS Vikrant is a major step forward in India’s efforts to become a leading maritime force in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
A Modern Marvel of Indian Engineering
INS Vikrant spans 262 meters in length and 62 meters in width, with a displacement of up to 45,000 tons. It uses a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system with a ski-jump ramp to launch fighter aircraft.
The carrier supports around 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and helicopters like the Kamov Ka-31 and MH-60R Seahawks, used for early warning and anti-submarine missions. Impressively, more than 76% of the ship’s components were made in India, showcasing the success of domestic defence manufacturing.
Power and Performance
Powered by four General Electric LM2500+ gas turbines, INS Vikrant can reach speeds of 28 to 30 knots and travel up to 8,600 nautical miles without refuelling. This allows for long-range deployments and high-speed mobility in critical maritime zones.
Upgraded in 2024: Combat-Ready and Future-Proof
The carrier received a major systems upgrade in 2024, including the integration of the MF-STAR radar system and Barak-8 Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM). These systems enable advanced threat detection and missile defence capabilities, with the Barak-8 offering protection against aerial threats up to 80 kilometres away.
Other advanced systems onboard include:
- Rezistor-E Aviation Complex
- Shakti Electronic Warfare Suite
- Diver Detection System
- ELK-7036 VUHF COMINT for communication intelligence
These features give the carrier a high degree of situational awareness and electronic warfare capabilities.
Built Like a Floating City
INS Vikrant is home to a crew of 1,600 to 1,700 personnel, including pilots, engineers, and medical staff. The ship includes:
- A hospital with CT scan and operation theatres
- Automated kitchens serve thousands of meals daily
- Over 2,500 km of cabling and 700 ladders
- A flight deck the size of two football fields
These facilities enable it to function as a self-contained airbase on the sea.
Strategic Presence in the Arabian Sea
INS Vikrant is actively deployed in the Arabian Sea, operating alongside major Indian naval assets like:
- INS Vikramaditya
- Kolkata-class destroyers
- Talwar-class frigates
- Kalvari-class submarines
The carrier’s MiG-29K fighters have a combat range of 850 kilometres, giving India extended strike capability and a stronger deterrence posture, particularly in regional maritime conflicts.