Union Minister Sonowal Reviews Progress Of First Made-In-India Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Sunday (31 October) reviewed the progress and the functioning of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

The Minister and senior officers visited and reviewed the progress of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), being built by Cochin Shipyard, during the second sea trials of IAC. Top senior officials of CSL were also present.

Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ 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 Aircraft Carrier by Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Ltd with more than 76 per cent indigenous content is a shining example in the Nation’s quest for ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India Initiative’,” the ministry said in a statement.

“This project has led to growth in indigenous design and construction capabilities, besides development of a large number of ancillary industries, with employment opportunities for over 2,000 CSL personnel and about 12,000 employees in ancillary industries,” it added.

The Minister will visit CSL on Monday (1 November). He will launch five vessels including, two fully electric autonomous Vessels for ASKO Maritime AS Norway and three floating border outposts for BSF.

Being built with approximately Rs 24,000 crore, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant will have a displacement of 40,000 tonnes. Once commissioned, the 262 metres long carrier will be the most potent sea-based asset of the Indian Navy.

It will have 35 to 40 aircraft including naval fighter jets, anti-submarine helicopters and also naval UAVs.