NE NEWS SERVICE
KOCHI, NOV 1
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday reviewed the progress of the second sea trials of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ during an on-board visit. The ship had sailed out for the second Sea Trials on October 24, a Defence release said on Monday.
Hon’ble Minister @shipmin_india impressed on CSL to ensure timely delivery to realise its commissioning by Aug 2022 to commemorate #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav#India would join select Nations with capability to indigenously🇮🇳 design & build ✈ Carrier & is testimony to Make in India🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/ayaprpHo4a
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) November 1, 2021
The maiden sea sortie of the ship was successfully undertaken on August 21. The government aims to commission the IAC Vikrant by August 2022 to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
During the maiden sea trials, the ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, PGD and auxiliary equipment appeared to be satisfactory.
#AatmanirbharBharat #MakeInIndia @SpokespersonMoD @drajaykumar_ias@DefenceMinIndia@cslcochin https://t.co/ucJiEmdIge https://t.co/QMH6Vgq3Sj
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) November 1, 2021
The ship is now progressing with the second phase of its sea trials, during which detailed trials and testing of propulsion machinery, electrical and electronics suites, deck machinery, lifesaving appliances and ship systems will be progressed.
The IAC, designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND), is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a public sector shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W).
“The indigenous design and construction of the IAC by the Indian Navy and CSL is a shining example in the nation’s quest for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiative. This has led to growth in indigenous design and construction capabilities, besides development of large number of ancillary industries, with employment opportunities for over 2000 CSL personnel and about 12000 employees in ancillary industries,” said a statement.
After witnessing the Sea Trials, the Minister impressed upon CSL to ensure timely delivery of the ship in April 2022 to realise commissioning of the ship by August 2022 to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
With the delivery of IAC, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier.
