'Vikrant': Indian Navy's first indigenous aircraft carrier

Vikrant meaning victorious and gallant, the foundation for prestigious IAC was firmly established in Apr 2005 by ceremonial Steel Cutting. To push the indigenization drive, the Warship grade steel required for the construction of IAC was successfully indigenized through the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in collaboration with the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Indian Navy. The hull fabrication progressed thereafter and the ship's keel was laid in Feb 2009. The first phase of ship construction was completed with the successful launch of the ship in Aug 2013. The 262 m long and 62 m wide Vikrant displaces approx 43000 T when fully loaded, having a maximum designed speed of 28 Knots with an endurance of 7500 NM. The ship has around 2200 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1600 that include specialized cabins to accommodate women officers and sailors. The carrier is designed with a very high degree of automation for machinery operations, ship navigation, and survivability. The carrier is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and systems. (The ship boasts of a fully-fledged state-of-the-art Medical Complex with the latest medical equipment facilities that include major modular OT, emergency modular OT, physiotherapy clinic, ICU, laboratories, CT scanner, X-Ray machines, Dental complex, Isolation ward, and telemedicine facilities, etc.) The induction and reincarnation of 'Vikrant' is thus not only another step towards strengthening our defense preparedness but also our humble tribute to the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters for the independence of the nation and our brave soldiers during the 1971 war.