Naval Vanguard: Vikranth & Vikramaditya spearhead Defence operations

Bharat Navy’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikranth and INS Vikramaditya, are fully equipped for the country’s defence, safety, and security. This beefs up the nation’s security. Now, Bharat is one of the handful of countries with the capability to operate two aircraft carriers at a time. This achievement was discussed in detail in last week’s Naval Commanders’ Conference.

The first session of the Conference was held on board INS Vikramaditya. The meeting was chaired by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Defence Secretary and other top officials attended the Conference. One of the resolutions of the Conference was the significant role the Bharat Navy has to play in waters in view of the confrontation in the international area, including West Asia. Mig-29K Fighters, M.H. 60 Romeo Helicopters, Kamov, Sea King, Chetak, A.L.H. Helicopters, etc. are the major arsenals in the sheaths of the aircraft harriers. Vikramaditya and Vikranth provide facilities for the takeoff and landing of these premier aircraft. Both aircraft carriers are floating sovereign airfields. Naval Commanders’ Conference had examined this, and the participants were absolutely convinced.

INS Vikrant was commissioned in September 2022, but in a very short period, the vessel is perfectly fit for war operations. INS Vikramaditya is back with all feathers intact after an interval of maintenance work. INS Vikrant is an indigenous aircraft carrier. It will be fully operational later this year. By then, the Bharatiya Navy will display its multi-carrier operations. INS Vikramaditya and more than 35 aircraft will be deployed in the Arabian Sea. It will be a remarkable milestone in the Bharat Navy’s endeavour to expand maritime security and the projection of its power in the Indian Ocean and beyond, says a Naval spokesperson.

The construction, operations and maintenance of aircraft carriers are really complex, and they cost a fortune. These capabilities are limited to a handful of countries. The Naval spokesperson continued that ‘as Bharat continues to strengthen her security apparatus, the importance of aircraft carriers will be significant in the nation’s defence strategy and promoting regional stability.”