India’s first domestic aircraft carrier (IAC-1) INS Vikrant launched for maritime tests off the coast of Kochi, Kerala. The sea test is the last stage of the test.
*INS Vikrant was designed by the Naval Design Directorate (DNT) of the Indian Navy and built by the Cochin Shipyard (CSL).
*The total cost of the project is around Rs 23,000 crore. More than 76% of the goods and equipment onboard are domestic
*Named INS Vikrant in memory of INS Vikrant, India’s first aircraft carrier to play a key role in the 1971 war against Pakistan. It was removed in 1997.
*After its launch, INS Vikrantya will be the second aircraft carrier after INS Vikramaditya, the Navy’s only aircraft carrier to enter service in 2013.
*An aircraft carrier is one of the most important maritime assets that will enhance the Navy’s ability to travel long distances from shore and perform multiple operations.