IAC Vikrant                                         

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Context:  IAC Vikrant heading out for the next set of sea trials.

Context:

• It is country’s maiden indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1).
• Built by: Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
• The IAC would be commissioned as INS Vikrant in the first half of 2022, which would be the most potent sea-based asset. 
• Capabilities: can 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 has a STOBAR (short take off but arrested recovery) system of aircraft launch and recovery on the flight deck.
• It is armed with the Barak LR-SAM (long range surface-to-air missile) air defence and AK-630 close-in weapon system besides a slew of advanced sensors and an electronic warfare suite.
• Other specifications:
  • It is expected to have a top speed of 30 knots (approximately 55 kmph) and is propelled by four gas turbines.
  • Its endurance is 7,500 nautical miles at 18 knots (32 kmph) speed.
  • The vessel can carry up to 1,500 personnel and has 2,300 compartments.
  • 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.

Italian, Russian help

• While the design was done with help from the Italian firm Fincantieri, the Russians collaborated in designing and developing the aviation complex. 

Significance of IAC:

• Shining example of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ as it has nearly 75 per cent indigenous content - from design to steel used in construction to key weapons and sensors. 
• It help secure India's interests in maritime domain.
• It will help to realize the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the wider goal of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific to ensure peace and stability in the region.

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1788782