INS Vikrant Fully Operational, Strengthens Indian Navy's Western Fleet

New Delhi – India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, is now fully operational and has been formally inducted into the Indian Navy's Western Fleet, significantly enhancing the maritime strength of the Navy's 'Sword Arm'. The carrier, now armed for battle at sea, will house a fleet of 30 aircraft, including 18 MiG-29 fighter jets and 12 Kamov helicopters. Additionally, U.S.-purchased MH-60 Romeo helicopters with advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities will also be onboard.

Two years ago, on September 2, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had handed over the Vikrant to the nation. However, despite being inducted into the Navy, the carrier was not fully operational as its primary weapon systems and fighter jets had not yet completed aviation trials. In a significant milestone for India’s 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, Indian Navy pilots successfully landed and took off with the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA Navy) from the deck of INS Vikrant in February last year.

In March last year, INS Vikrant also successfully conducted its first night landing test with the Kamov-31 helicopter. Over a period of four months, rigorous tests were conducted for the landing and takeoff of fighter jets on the carrier. Following these trials, Vikrant has been granted full operational status. 

The Indian Navy officially announced today the induction of INS Vikrant into the Western Fleet, alongside INS Vikramaditya in a twin-carrier battle group formation, conducting multi-domain exercises in the Arabian Sea.

Currently, the carrier is equipped with a fleet of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29 fighter jets and Kamov helicopters. The addition of MH-60 Romeo helicopters from the U.S. will further bolster its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Indian Navy is also considering acquiring 26 Rafale fighter jets for the carrier, with contract negotiations between the Indian and French governments already in advanced stages. The deal, expected to be worth over ₹50,000 crore, will be finalized soon under a government-to-government contract.