Sarbananda Sonowal visits Indigenous Aircraft Carrier IAC ‘Vikrant’
New Delhi, Nov 01, 2021: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ during the ongoing sea trials on Oct 31. The ship had sailed out for the second Sea Trials on Oct 24.
The maiden sea sortie of the ship was successfully undertaken in Aug 21. During the maiden Sea Trials, ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, PGD and auxiliary equipment was satisfactory.
The IAC designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
The Indigenous design and construction of Aircraft Carrier by Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Ltd. is a shining example in the Nation’s quest for AatmaNirbhar Bharat and ‘Make in India’ Initiative with more than 76% indigenous content.
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.
Indigenous content towards procurement of equipment, besides work by CSL and their subcontractors is being directly invested back into the Indian economy. Around 550 Indian firms including about 100 MSMEs are registered with CSL, who are providing various services for construction of IAC.
The ship is now progressing with 2nd phase of Sea Trials, during which detailed trials and testing of propulsion machinery, electrical & electronics suites, deck machinery, lifesaving appliances and ship systems is being progressed. During the visit and interaction with the personnel onboard the IAC, the Hon’ble Minister impressed upon CSL to ensure timely delivery of the ship in Apr 2022 to realise commissioning of the ship by Aug 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, which will be a real testimony to the ‘Make in India’ thrust of GoI.
