Navy showcases twin-carrier operations
Context:
Indian Navy showcases multi-carrier operations, including INS Vikrant, and INS Vikramaditya, with over 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea, marking a milestone in maritime security and power projection in the Indian Ocean.
INS Vikrant
- The Indian Navy’s first indigenous aircraft carrier is called INS Vikrant.
- The original INS Vikrant, which served the Indian Navy from 1961 to 1997, is the inspiration for the current INS Vikrant.
- In 2009, work on the new INS Vikrant got underway.
- Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Kerala, designed and constructed it.
- The carrier is around 262 metres long with a displacement of about 40,000 tonnes.
- The top speed is 28 knots.
- A variety of aircraft, including fighter planes, helicopters, and support aircraft, can be flown by INS Vikrant.
- For short takeoff but arrested recovery (STOBAR) operations, it has a ski-jump takeoff ramp.
- For takeoff and landing, the carrier is outfitted with arrestor wires and aircraft launch mechanisms.
- Fighter planes like the MiG-29K/KUB and helicopters like the Kamov Ka-31 and Ka-28 are among the planned aircraft for INS Vikrant.
- It has close-range defence weapons systems.
INS Vikramaditya 
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- The Indian Navy’s flagship ship is an aircraft carrier named INS Vikramaditya.
- For the Soviet Navy, it was initially constructed as the Admiral Gorshkov.
- In 2013, India bought the ship and commissioned it into the Indian Navy.
- It bears the name of the mythical Indian ruler Vikramaditya.
- The approximate displacement for the INS Vikramaditya is 45,000 tonnes.
- It measures about 284 metres in length.
- The ship is propelled by a mixture of gas turbines and diesel engines.
- It has a top speed of more than 30 knots.
- A spacious flight deck and a ski-jump ramp are both on the INS Vikramaditya.
- Arresting gear cables are installed for recovering aircraft during landing.
- Up to 30 aircraft, including several helicopters and MiG-29K fighters, can be carried by the ship.
- Multi-role fighters, helicopters for airborne early warning, and helicopters for anti-submarine warfare are all part of its aircraft complement.
- The INS Vikramaditya improves the Indian Navy’s capacity for maritime security and force projection.
- It stands for India’s expanding naval influence and presence in the Indian Ocean.
Points to Ponder:
- Multi-carrier Operations: In the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy demonstrated its multi-carrier operations, which included the coordinated deployment of two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, as well as a variety of ships, submarines, and aircraft.
- Technology: The drill highlighted India’s maritime technology prowess by showcasing the flawless integration of the two aircraft carriers and the varied fleet. This demonstrates India’s marine operations capability and its dedication to maritime security.
- Naval prowess: The multi-carrier demonstration highlighted India’s naval prowess and its efforts to increase maritime security and project strength in the Indian Ocean and beyond. It demonstrated the Indian Navy’s dedication to defending national interests, upholding regional stability, and encouraging collaborative relationships in the marine sector.
- INS Vikramaditya: The Russian-built aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, with a displacement of 44,500 tonnes, was a key player in the exercise. It sailed out of the dockyard after a protracted overhaul, demonstrating its readiness for operational deployment.
- INS Vikrant: In September of the previous year, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Vikrant, a native aircraft carrier. With a 42,800-ton displacement, it contributes significantly to the multi-carrier operations. By the end of the current year, INS Vikrant would be completely operational, according to the Navy Chief.
- Floating Sovereigns: The INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant are both referred to as “floating sovereign airfields.” They serve as launch pads for a range of aircraft, including MH-60R, Kamov, Sea King, Chetak, and Dhruv helicopters, as well as MiG-29K fighter fighters.
- Mission Flexibility and Response: These transportable bases provide a quick reaction to new threats and boost mission flexibility. The aircraft carriers’ mobility allows for long-distance air operations and the protection of national interests around the world.
- Native Aircraft Carrier (IAC)-2: According to the Navy Chief, preparations are being made to approach the government about building a second indigenous aircraft carrier, known as IAC-2, with improvements. This upcoming carrier, which will probably replace the INS Vikramaditya, will help to further improve India’s naval prowess.
- Periodic Maintenances: INS Vikrant will go through periodic maintenance during the warranty period to get it ready for full operational readiness. This maintenance will be carried out by the product’s maker, Cochin Shipyard Limited.
