News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Navy

  • Entry of women candidates permitted in certain branches of Indian Navy University: Centre to HC

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has told the Delhi High Court that entry of women candidates in certain branches of the Indian Navy University has now been permitted.

    The high court was informed that now the Indian Navy is recruiting women candidates under the Indian Navy University Entry Scheme in the executive branch’s general service (X) cadre, IT and in the engineering and electrical branch.

    Taking note of the Centre’s submissions, a bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad disposed of a petition which had sought entry of women candidates in certain branches of the Indian Navy University, where admission of females was barred.

    The PIL, filed by lawyer Kush Kalra, had alleged institutional discrimination by the government and had sought direction to it to elaborate on the steps taken to permit the entry of women on par with male candidates.

    During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, argued that a PIL filed on the subject of service matter was not maintainable.

    However, he submitted that the issue raised in the petition has already been remedied by permitting the entry of female candidates in the Indian Navy University Entry Scheme, Executive Branch General Service (x) Cadre, IT, and in the Technical Branch Engineering and Electrical Branch.

    The law officer also drew the court’s attention towards an advertisement inviting applications for Short Service Commission Officers in Information Technology (Executive Branch) commencing from January 2023 as well as an advertisement inviting applications for Short Service Commission Officers for various entries, including General Service (Executive) GS (X) commencing from June 2023 issued by the Indian Navy.

    He submitted that the Indian Navy is now recruiting female candidates as well in both the branches mentioned in the petition.

    The ASG said the petitioner has not challenged the constitutional validity of Section 9(2) of the Indian Navy Act.

    However, the same statutory provision empowers the Union of India to issue notifications for the entry of female candidates into the Indian Navy.

    According to Section 9(2) of the Act, “No woman shall be eligible for appointment for enrolment in the Indian Navy or the Indian Naval Reserve Forces except in such department, branch or other body forming part thereof or attached thereto and subject to such conditions as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette specify in this behalf”.

    The petitioner had sought a direction permitting the entry of women candidates under the Indian Navy University Entry Scheme in the executive branch’s general service (X) cadre, IT and in the engineering and electrical branch on par with men.

    The plea alleged that the government was practising institutional discrimination by arbitrarily depriving women of the right to serve in these branches while permitting them entry as air traffic controllers and naval architects.

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has told the Delhi High Court that entry of women candidates in certain branches of the Indian Navy University has now been permitted.

    The high court was informed that now the Indian Navy is recruiting women candidates under the Indian Navy University Entry Scheme in the executive branch’s general service (X) cadre, IT and in the engineering and electrical branch.

    Taking note of the Centre’s submissions, a bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad disposed of a petition which had sought entry of women candidates in certain branches of the Indian Navy University, where admission of females was barred.

    The PIL, filed by lawyer Kush Kalra, had alleged institutional discrimination by the government and had sought direction to it to elaborate on the steps taken to permit the entry of women on par with male candidates.

    During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, argued that a PIL filed on the subject of service matter was not maintainable.

    However, he submitted that the issue raised in the petition has already been remedied by permitting the entry of female candidates in the Indian Navy University Entry Scheme, Executive Branch General Service (x) Cadre, IT, and in the Technical Branch Engineering and Electrical Branch.

    The law officer also drew the court’s attention towards an advertisement inviting applications for Short Service Commission Officers in Information Technology (Executive Branch) commencing from January 2023 as well as an advertisement inviting applications for Short Service Commission Officers for various entries, including General Service (Executive) GS (X) commencing from June 2023 issued by the Indian Navy.

    He submitted that the Indian Navy is now recruiting female candidates as well in both the branches mentioned in the petition.

    The ASG said the petitioner has not challenged the constitutional validity of Section 9(2) of the Indian Navy Act.

    However, the same statutory provision empowers the Union of India to issue notifications for the entry of female candidates into the Indian Navy.

    According to Section 9(2) of the Act, “No woman shall be eligible for appointment for enrolment in the Indian Navy or the Indian Naval Reserve Forces except in such department, branch or other body forming part thereof or attached thereto and subject to such conditions as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette specify in this behalf”.

    The petitioner had sought a direction permitting the entry of women candidates under the Indian Navy University Entry Scheme in the executive branch’s general service (X) cadre, IT and in the engineering and electrical branch on par with men.

    The plea alleged that the government was practising institutional discrimination by arbitrarily depriving women of the right to serve in these branches while permitting them entry as air traffic controllers and naval architects.

  • Indian Navy to hold key meeting next week

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The commanders of the Indian Navy are slated to meet next week to discuss important maritime matters at the military-strategic level through an institutionalised forum. The second edition of Naval Commanders’ Conference will commence from October 31. The first such meeting took place in April.

    The Indian Navy on Saturday said in a statement, “Due to the dynamic and fast-paced developments in security imperatives in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as well as in other parts of the world, the Conference has its own significance and relevance.”

    The Chief of the Naval Staff, along with other Naval Commanders, will review major Operational, Material, Logistics, Human Resource Development, Training and Administrative activities undertaken by the Indian Navy in the last few months and further deliberate upon future plans for important activities and initiatives, the Navy informed. The conference will also dwell upon the dynamics of the geostrategic situation of the region and the Navy’s readiness to deal with the same, added the Navy statement.

    NEW DELHI: The commanders of the Indian Navy are slated to meet next week to discuss important maritime matters at the military-strategic level through an institutionalised forum. The second edition of Naval Commanders’ Conference will commence from October 31. The first such meeting took place in April.

    The Indian Navy on Saturday said in a statement, “Due to the dynamic and fast-paced developments in security imperatives in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as well as in other parts of the world, the Conference has its own significance and relevance.”

    The Chief of the Naval Staff, along with other Naval Commanders, will review major Operational, Material, Logistics, Human Resource Development, Training and Administrative activities undertaken by the Indian Navy in the last few months and further deliberate upon future plans for important activities and initiatives, the Navy informed. The conference will also dwell upon the dynamics of the geostrategic situation of the region and the Navy’s readiness to deal with the same, added the Navy statement.

  • Navy’s Dornier air squadron carries out maiden night landing in Agatti airfield

    By PTI

    KOCHI: An air squadron of the Indian Navy based here carried out its maiden night landing by Dornier aircraft at the Agatti airfield in Lakshadweep islands on Friday as part of its efforts towards round the clock maritime surveillance and support to the islands.

    The night time exercise was carried out by the Navy’s INAS 550 air squadron ” to reinvigorate and re-emphasise India’s maritime moorings” as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Indian independence, a Defence release said on Friday.

    The Agatti atoll, where the lone airstrip of the island archipelago is located, is about 460 km west of Kochi in the Arabian Sea, the release said.

    The airfield operated by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) was inaugurated in April 1988 for operation of Dornier 228 aircraft, it said and added that ATR 72 planes began operations from there in September 2010.

    “However, owing to the short runway length and limited airfield services available, the operations of both civil airliners and military aircraft had been limited to day only,” it said.

    Under the aegis of the Indian Navy, the Southern Naval Command took the initiative to overcome this limitation and in coordination with AAI and Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the maiden night landing was successfully carried out, the release said.

    “As part of the trials, multiple approaches and landings were carried out from both sides of the runway to validate suitability for operations.”

    “The successful night trials would pave the way for future operations of Dornier 228 aircraft from this airfield by night which will boost Indian Navy’s efforts towards round the clock maritime surveillance and support to the islands,” it said.

    KOCHI: An air squadron of the Indian Navy based here carried out its maiden night landing by Dornier aircraft at the Agatti airfield in Lakshadweep islands on Friday as part of its efforts towards round the clock maritime surveillance and support to the islands.

    The night time exercise was carried out by the Navy’s INAS 550 air squadron ” to reinvigorate and re-emphasise India’s maritime moorings” as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Indian independence, a Defence release said on Friday.

    The Agatti atoll, where the lone airstrip of the island archipelago is located, is about 460 km west of Kochi in the Arabian Sea, the release said.

    The airfield operated by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) was inaugurated in April 1988 for operation of Dornier 228 aircraft, it said and added that ATR 72 planes began operations from there in September 2010.

    “However, owing to the short runway length and limited airfield services available, the operations of both civil airliners and military aircraft had been limited to day only,” it said.

    Under the aegis of the Indian Navy, the Southern Naval Command took the initiative to overcome this limitation and in coordination with AAI and Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the maiden night landing was successfully carried out, the release said.

    “As part of the trials, multiple approaches and landings were carried out from both sides of the runway to validate suitability for operations.”

    “The successful night trials would pave the way for future operations of Dornier 228 aircraft from this airfield by night which will boost Indian Navy’s efforts towards round the clock maritime surveillance and support to the islands,” it said.

  • China remains a formidable challenge and has increased its presence: Indian Navy Chief

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: “While China is expanding its presence around India, Pakistan in the West has continued with the modernisation of the Navy,” said Admiral R Hari Kumar here on Tuesday.  Elaborating on “Security Challenges” that India faces, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) pointed out that while competition is being played out on a daily basis – at times testing limits – but without escalating into armed action, a war with potential adversaries can never be ruled out.

    In this regard, “China remains a formidable challenge and has increased its presence, not only along our land borders but also in the maritime domain by leveraging anti-piracy operations to normalise its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.”

    To the West, Pakistan, despite economic constraints, has continued its military modernisation, especially its Navy, which is on track to becoming a 50-platform force, added CNS.

    The CNS specified that China began its Indian Ocean maritime deployment in 2008 using anti-piracy operations “as the reason” and since then there has been a continuous presence in the region. “At any point we have anything between 5-8 Chinese Navy units, be it warships or research vessels and a host of Chinese fishing vessels operating in the IOR. We keep a watch on them and see how they are undertaking their activities in the IOR,” he said.

    While “China now has a base in Djibouti, and have been involved in development of various ports in the IOR, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan and so many other countries, the Navy Chief said, India is also building its capability but it is “not based on a nation, it is based upon our requirements to protect, preserve and promote our national interests.”

    With the structuring of our force and developing the capability, “these get factored and enable us to keep the Indian Ocean under surveillance. We have aircraft sorties, ships deployed almost 24X7 to keep an eye on the IOR, Adm Kumar said.

    Chief of Naval Staff was delivering the Keynote Address for the plenary session on India’s Naval Revolution: Becoming an Ocean Power at the 49th National Management Convention, All India Management Association. He also talked about the reliability of the weapons of Russian origin and its assistance in the technological realm.

    Talking about the Russian equipment, he said they are reliable and while there have been teething issues with some of the systems; they have been getting good support from Russia.

    Russia supported us with some technologies which we are not able to get from any other sources, Adm Kumar said, “In that sense, we have really been receiving good support from Russia over the years.”

    While the conventional military challenges persist, CNS  pointed towards terrorism which “remains a major security threat, as it continues to evolve in shape, scale and size.”  Staying one step ahead of such an invisible enemy, who will constantly innovate tactics, enabled by niche technologies, is a challenge that persists.

    NEW DELHI: “While China is expanding its presence around India, Pakistan in the West has continued with the modernisation of the Navy,” said Admiral R Hari Kumar here on Tuesday.  Elaborating on “Security Challenges” that India faces, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) pointed out that while competition is being played out on a daily basis – at times testing limits – but without escalating into armed action, a war with potential adversaries can never be ruled out.

    In this regard, “China remains a formidable challenge and has increased its presence, not only along our land borders but also in the maritime domain by leveraging anti-piracy operations to normalise its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.”

    To the West, Pakistan, despite economic constraints, has continued its military modernisation, especially its Navy, which is on track to becoming a 50-platform force, added CNS.

    The CNS specified that China began its Indian Ocean maritime deployment in 2008 using anti-piracy operations “as the reason” and since then there has been a continuous presence in the region. “At any point we have anything between 5-8 Chinese Navy units, be it warships or research vessels and a host of Chinese fishing vessels operating in the IOR. We keep a watch on them and see how they are undertaking their activities in the IOR,” he said.

    While “China now has a base in Djibouti, and have been involved in development of various ports in the IOR, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan and so many other countries, the Navy Chief said, India is also building its capability but it is “not based on a nation, it is based upon our requirements to protect, preserve and promote our national interests.”

    With the structuring of our force and developing the capability, “these get factored and enable us to keep the Indian Ocean under surveillance. We have aircraft sorties, ships deployed almost 24X7 to keep an eye on the IOR, Adm Kumar said.

    Chief of Naval Staff was delivering the Keynote Address for the plenary session on India’s Naval Revolution: Becoming an Ocean Power at the 49th National Management Convention, All India Management Association. He also talked about the reliability of the weapons of Russian origin and its assistance in the technological realm.

    Talking about the Russian equipment, he said they are reliable and while there have been teething issues with some of the systems; they have been getting good support from Russia.

    Russia supported us with some technologies which we are not able to get from any other sources, Adm Kumar said, “In that sense, we have really been receiving good support from Russia over the years.”

    While the conventional military challenges persist, CNS  pointed towards terrorism which “remains a major security threat, as it continues to evolve in shape, scale and size.”  Staying one step ahead of such an invisible enemy, who will constantly innovate tactics, enabled by niche technologies, is a challenge that persists.

  • Power games: Amid growing Chinese threat, Rajnath gives emergency buying powers to defence forces

    Express News Service

    Border TensionDefence minister Rajnath Singh gives emergency powers to forces for overseas purchase

    In light of the situation on the border, especially on the north and north-eastern fronts, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given financial powers to the three services to buy weapons from overseas using the emergency acquisition route. Under this emergency power, Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force would be allowed to buy any weapon or ammunition valued up to Rs 300 crore from any overseas manufacturer to meet the shortfall of critical operational requirements. For purchases under the emergency route, the three services will not have to seek approval from the ministry. The deliveries of these purchases, however, will have to be made within one year.

    The three services have been given this emergency power for the next six months. This decision was taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which the minister chaired in New Delhi on August 22. The three services chiefs who are part of the DAC, the ministry of defence’s apex procurement body, had emphasised on early acquisition of critical ammunition. Sources said that the three armed forces have also been allowed to approach the defence ministry for seeking approval for emergency procurement of new weapons under $300 million to meet the critical shortfalls.

    The armed forces will use the emergency powers to make fast-track purchases of GPS-guided Excalibur shells for ultra-light Howitzer guns, Derby-I and MICA air-to-air missiles, Spice-1000 and Hammer precision-guided munitions, Barak and Spyder air defence missiles, Spike anti-tank guided missiles, Heron MKII drones, land mines, and small arms ammunition, etc. It is expected that the three armed forces will get new weapons and ammunition worth $750 million through fast-track purchases. The Indian Army is likely to buy ammunition for T-90 tanks, BMP-II, AD guns, artillery guns, small arms, rockets, missiles and mortars, while the Indian Air Force is expected to buy air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, smart bombs, chaffs, flares and precision-guided munitions. Besides, the Indian Navy wants to procure 10 Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS) from Israel through a fast track procurement route.

    Team ModiThe rise and rise of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    BJP leaders can underestimate the importance of the party’s parliamentary party meetings at their own peril. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has resulted in making and unmaking of many careers. The Prime Minister’s usually longish address at these meetings have largely centred around highlighting his government’s achievements and exhorting party MPs to inform people of their constituencies about these achievements. In one of these meetings, Ballia MP Bharat Singh annoyed the Prime Minister by saying how could they publicise the achievements because ministers did not have time to meet MPs and inform them about these achievements and the bureaucrats do not meet them either. Singh was denied a ticket in the next election.

    In another meeting, the Prime Minister was pleasantly surprised by an MP’s power-point presentation to his fellow members on the reach and benefits of the Modi government’s schemes. This MP’s career has skyrocketed after that day. He was made a minister of state the same year, and elevated as the Cabinet minister after 2019 elections. The name of this MP is Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He has risen in the party ranks so fast that the joke in the BJP is that the top two’s trusted troika of J P Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupendra Yadav has now turned into a four-horse carriage with Shekhawat joining the ranks. The 1967-born Shekhawat started his political career by winning the student union election of Jodhpur’s Jainarayan Vyas University as ABVP’s presidential candidate.

    He has gone on from there to win two Lok Sabha elections, defeating Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s son in 2019 by a margin of over two lakh votes. He is now the Prime Minister’s pointman for executing critical projects. He has been made in charge of elections in Punjab and Haryana. He was appointed as convenor of the 14-member committee for coordinating with state units and allies for the election of Droupadi Murmu as President of India. Sources say he will play a crucial role in the upcoming elections in Rajasthan. 

    Shahid FaridiThe writer is Associate Editor and Chief of Bureau at TNIE, New Delhi. Email: [email protected]

    Border Tension
    Defence minister Rajnath Singh gives emergency powers to forces for overseas purchase

    In light of the situation on the border, especially on the north and north-eastern fronts, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given financial powers to the three services to buy weapons from overseas using the emergency acquisition route. Under this emergency power, Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force would be allowed to buy any weapon or ammunition valued up to Rs 300 crore from any overseas manufacturer to meet the shortfall of critical operational requirements. For purchases under the emergency route, the three services will not have to seek approval from the ministry. The deliveries of these purchases, however, will have to be made within one year.

    The three services have been given this emergency power for the next six months. This decision was taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which the minister chaired in New Delhi on August 22. The three services chiefs who are part of the DAC, the ministry of defence’s apex procurement body, had emphasised on early acquisition of critical ammunition. Sources said that the three armed forces have also been allowed to approach the defence ministry for seeking approval for emergency procurement of new weapons under $300 million to meet the critical shortfalls.

    The armed forces will use the emergency powers to make fast-track purchases of GPS-guided Excalibur shells for ultra-light Howitzer guns, Derby-I and MICA air-to-air missiles, Spice-1000 and Hammer precision-guided munitions, Barak and Spyder air defence missiles, Spike anti-tank guided missiles, Heron MKII drones, land mines, and small arms ammunition, etc. It is expected that the three armed forces will get new weapons and ammunition worth $750 million through fast-track purchases. The Indian Army is likely to buy ammunition for T-90 tanks, BMP-II, AD guns, artillery guns, small arms, rockets, missiles and mortars, while the Indian Air Force is expected to buy air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, smart bombs, chaffs, flares and precision-guided munitions. Besides, the Indian Navy wants to procure 10 Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS) from Israel through a fast track procurement route.

    Team Modi
    The rise and rise of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    BJP leaders can underestimate the importance of the party’s parliamentary party meetings at their own peril. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has resulted in making and unmaking of many careers. The Prime Minister’s usually longish address at these meetings have largely centred around highlighting his government’s achievements and exhorting party MPs to inform people of their constituencies about these achievements. In one of these meetings, Ballia MP Bharat Singh annoyed the Prime Minister by saying how could they publicise the achievements because ministers did not have time to meet MPs and inform them about these achievements and the bureaucrats do not meet them either. Singh was denied a ticket in the next election.

    In another meeting, the Prime Minister was pleasantly surprised by an MP’s power-point presentation to his fellow members on the reach and benefits of the Modi government’s schemes. This MP’s career has skyrocketed after that day. He was made a minister of state the same year, and elevated as the Cabinet minister after 2019 elections. The name of this MP is Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He has risen in the party ranks so fast that the joke in the BJP is that the top two’s trusted troika of J P Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupendra Yadav has now turned into a four-horse carriage with Shekhawat joining the ranks. The 1967-born Shekhawat started his political career by winning the student union election of Jodhpur’s Jainarayan Vyas University as ABVP’s presidential candidate.

    He has gone on from there to win two Lok Sabha elections, defeating Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s son in 2019 by a margin of over two lakh votes. He is now the Prime Minister’s pointman for executing critical projects. He has been made in charge of elections in Punjab and Haryana. He was appointed as convenor of the 14-member committee for coordinating with state units and allies for the election of Droupadi Murmu as President of India. Sources say he will play a crucial role in the upcoming elections in Rajasthan. 

    Shahid Faridi
    The writer is Associate Editor and Chief of Bureau at TNIE, New Delhi. 
    Email: [email protected]

  • INS Vikrant fine but what about China?: Owaisi asks PM Modi

    By Express News Service

    HYDERABAD: While congratulating the Indian Navy for the launch of INS Vikrant, AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi questioned why the Centre has not done enough to secure the Indian maritime borders against the might of China.

    “INS Vikrant was launched, we also have to think that we need a 3rd carrier aircraft but he (PM Modi) is not giving permission. That is because he has destroyed the economy of country & has no money. We need 200 ships, but only have 130,” he tweeted on Friday.

    “I also hope this INS Vikrant will give PM Modi the courage to speak up about China which has occupied 10 villages of our territory. Hope the INS will give him enough strength to take China’s name in Parliament,” he added.

    Observing that Owaisi saw only bitterness and not happiness, BJP’s spokesperson NV Subhash commented by saying that instead of applauding the country on this special moment, Owaisi took his usual stance of negativity. 

    “He is not a security analyst. He should drop his political posturing once and should rejoice in the country’s success,” Subhash opined. “Owaisi is issuing false statements such as Chinese occupying 10 regions and Modi government not reacting to such acts. It was the Modi government that stopped the Chinese encroachment at Doklam pass in 2017, and had also banned 273 Chinese apps in the country in 2020 when no other country dared to take a stand against it,” Subhash said.

    HYDERABAD: While congratulating the Indian Navy for the launch of INS Vikrant, AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi questioned why the Centre has not done enough to secure the Indian maritime borders against the might of China.

    “INS Vikrant was launched, we also have to think that we need a 3rd carrier aircraft but he (PM Modi) is not giving permission. That is because he has destroyed the economy of country & has no money. We need 200 ships, but only have 130,” he tweeted on Friday.

    “I also hope this INS Vikrant will give PM Modi the courage to speak up about China which has occupied 10 villages of our territory. Hope the INS will give him enough strength to take China’s name in Parliament,” he added.

    Observing that Owaisi saw only bitterness and not happiness, BJP’s spokesperson NV Subhash commented by saying that instead of applauding the country on this special moment, Owaisi took his usual stance of negativity. 

    “He is not a security analyst. He should drop his political posturing once and should rejoice in the country’s success,” Subhash opined. “Owaisi is issuing false statements such as Chinese occupying 10 regions and Modi government not reacting to such acts. It was the Modi government that stopped the Chinese encroachment at Doklam pass in 2017, and had also banned 273 Chinese apps in the country in 2020 when no other country dared to take a stand against it,” Subhash said.

  • INS Vikrant a collective effort of all govts since 1999, will PM acknowledge it, asks Congress

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking credit for the commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and accused him of “hypocrisy” for not recognising the contributions made by earlier governments.

    Congress general secretary communications Jairam Ramesh also shared a video of former defence minister A K Antony launching INS Vikrant in August 2013 and said it just happens that the Modi government is in power when the aircraft carrier is being commissioned.

    “The Modi government has nothing to do with this. The Modi government just happens to be in power when it is being commissioned. In fact, INS Vikrant was launched years ago by Mr A K Antony when he was the defence minister. It has taken 22 years to design, manufacture, test, launch and finally be commissioned today. All that the Modi government has done is commissioning of the vessel and he is taking credit for it,” Ramesh told PTI.

    “So this is hypocrisy, which is typical of the current Prime Minister,” he said, adding that the credit goes to earlier governments, the credit goes to the Indian Navy and scientists, the engineers and the workers in the shipyard.

    “It is an achievement that will add to the country’s strength. It is very typical of Mr Modi not to recognise the contributions made by earlier governments, of which he is the beneficiary,” the senior Congress leader added.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi unveils Indian Navy’s new ensign inspired by Chatrapati Shivaji, sheds colonial legacy

    Sharing a video of A K Antony’s speech, Ramesh also tweeted, “then defence minister AK Antony launched India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on 12.08.2013. The PM commissioned it today. A self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) India existed before 2014. All other Prime Ministers would have acknowledged continuity in governance. India’s 1st indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant commissioned today is a collective effort of all governments since 1999. Will PM acknowledge?” he tweeted while noting that we should also recall the original INS Vikrant that served us well in the 1971 war and that the much-reviled Krishna Menon played a key role in getting it from the UK.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned India’s maiden indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on Friday, placing the country into a select league of countries with the domestic capability to develop such large vessels.

    Ramesh said this is a tribute to the Indian Navy’s engineers, officers and the workers of Cochin Shipyard where this aircraft was manufactured.

    “One of the problems in Mr Modi is that he does not recognise continuity in governance and that there was India before 2014. Self-reliance in defence production was established by Mr Krishna Menon when he was the defence minister of India in 1957 and Jawaharlal Nehru was the prime minister. It is the same self-reliant, Atmanirbhar defence production capability that Mr Modi’s government is privatising. There are several defence public sector units that have given India atmanirbharta in defence production,” he said.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi commissions India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant

    Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the induction of INS Vikrant, named after its predecessor that played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, into the Navy.

    With Vikrant’s induction, India has joined a select club of nations such as the US, the UK, Russia, China and France in having niche capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier.

    The 262 m long and 62 m wide carrier displaces approximately 43000 T when fully loaded, having a maximum designed speed of 28 knots with an endurance of 7500 NM.

    Built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore, it has state-of-the-art features and can operate an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, besides the domestically manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH).

    “Today, India has joined those countries in the world, which manufacture such a huge aircraft carrier with indigenous technology. Today INS Vikrant has filled the country with new confidence,” Modi said while addressing a large gathering ahead of the commissioning ceremony in Kochi.

    Modi also said the warship was a testimony to Indian skills and talent.

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking credit for the commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and accused him of “hypocrisy” for not recognising the contributions made by earlier governments.

    Congress general secretary communications Jairam Ramesh also shared a video of former defence minister A K Antony launching INS Vikrant in August 2013 and said it just happens that the Modi government is in power when the aircraft carrier is being commissioned.

    “The Modi government has nothing to do with this. The Modi government just happens to be in power when it is being commissioned. In fact, INS Vikrant was launched years ago by Mr A K Antony when he was the defence minister. It has taken 22 years to design, manufacture, test, launch and finally be commissioned today. All that the Modi government has done is commissioning of the vessel and he is taking credit for it,” Ramesh told PTI.

    “So this is hypocrisy, which is typical of the current Prime Minister,” he said, adding that the credit goes to earlier governments, the credit goes to the Indian Navy and scientists, the engineers and the workers in the shipyard.

    “It is an achievement that will add to the country’s strength. It is very typical of Mr Modi not to recognise the contributions made by earlier governments, of which he is the beneficiary,” the senior Congress leader added.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi unveils Indian Navy’s new ensign inspired by Chatrapati Shivaji, sheds colonial legacy

    Sharing a video of A K Antony’s speech, Ramesh also tweeted, “then defence minister AK Antony launched India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on 12.08.2013. The PM commissioned it today. A self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) India existed before 2014. All other Prime Ministers would have acknowledged continuity in governance. India’s 1st indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant commissioned today is a collective effort of all governments since 1999. Will PM acknowledge?” he tweeted while noting that we should also recall the original INS Vikrant that served us well in the 1971 war and that the much-reviled Krishna Menon played a key role in getting it from the UK.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned India’s maiden indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on Friday, placing the country into a select league of countries with the domestic capability to develop such large vessels.

    Ramesh said this is a tribute to the Indian Navy’s engineers, officers and the workers of Cochin Shipyard where this aircraft was manufactured.

    “One of the problems in Mr Modi is that he does not recognise continuity in governance and that there was India before 2014. Self-reliance in defence production was established by Mr Krishna Menon when he was the defence minister of India in 1957 and Jawaharlal Nehru was the prime minister. It is the same self-reliant, Atmanirbhar defence production capability that Mr Modi’s government is privatising. There are several defence public sector units that have given India atmanirbharta in defence production,” he said.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi commissions India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant

    Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the induction of INS Vikrant, named after its predecessor that played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, into the Navy.

    With Vikrant’s induction, India has joined a select club of nations such as the US, the UK, Russia, China and France in having niche capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier.

    The 262 m long and 62 m wide carrier displaces approximately 43000 T when fully loaded, having a maximum designed speed of 28 knots with an endurance of 7500 NM.

    Built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore, it has state-of-the-art features and can operate an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, besides the domestically manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH).

    “Today, India has joined those countries in the world, which manufacture such a huge aircraft carrier with indigenous technology. Today INS Vikrant has filled the country with new confidence,” Modi said while addressing a large gathering ahead of the commissioning ceremony in Kochi.

    Modi also said the warship was a testimony to Indian skills and talent.

  • Indian Navy to get new ensign, PM Modi to unveil it in Kochi

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Indian Navy is all set to get a new ensign that will “do away with the colonial past”.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the new ensign of the Indian Navy during the commissioning of the country’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier — INS Vikrant on September 2, the PMO said on Tuesday.

    “At 9:30 AM on September 2, the Prime Minister will commission the first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi,” the statement said.

    “During the event, the Prime Minister will also unveil the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past, and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage,” it said.

    The Indian Navy draws its origin to the colonial period.

    On October 2, 1934, the naval service was renamed Royal Indian Navy (RIN), with its headquarters at Bombay (now Mumbai), according to infirmation shared on a website of the Indian Navy.

    With the partition of India, post-independence, the Royal Indian Navy was divided into the Royal Indian Navy and the Royal Pakistan Navy.

    With India becoming a Republic on January 26, 1950, the prefix ‘Royal’ was dropped and it was rechristened as the Indian Navy.

    The current ensign of the Navy is a white flag with horizontal and vertical red stripes, with the Emblem of India emblazoned at the intersection of the two stripes.

    The tricolour is placed in the canton.

    The Union Jack was replaced with the tricolour after Independence in 1947, in the canton.

    The horizontal and vertical red stripes, symbolising the Cross of Saint George, are reminiscent of the colonial era, and are likely to be dropped in the design incorporated for the new ensign.

    On 26 January 1950, the Crown in the naval crest, depicted with an anchor, was replaced by Ashokan Lion for the Indian Navy’s Emblem.

    The invocation to Lord Varuna (The Sea God) in the Vedas was adopted by it for its emblem, with the motto: “Sam no Varunah”, meaning: ‘Be auspicious unto us Oh Varuna’.

    The inscription of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ below the State Emblem was included in crest.

    INS Vikrant will contribute in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region, Vice Chief of Indian Navy Vice Admiral S N Ghormade had said on August 25, ahead of the commissioning of the warship which is built at a cost of around Rs 20,000 crore.

    NEW DELHI: Indian Navy is all set to get a new ensign that will “do away with the colonial past”.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the new ensign of the Indian Navy during the commissioning of the country’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier — INS Vikrant on September 2, the PMO said on Tuesday.

    “At 9:30 AM on September 2, the Prime Minister will commission the first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi,” the statement said.

    “During the event, the Prime Minister will also unveil the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past, and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage,” it said.

    The Indian Navy draws its origin to the colonial period.

    On October 2, 1934, the naval service was renamed Royal Indian Navy (RIN), with its headquarters at Bombay (now Mumbai), according to infirmation shared on a website of the Indian Navy.

    With the partition of India, post-independence, the Royal Indian Navy was divided into the Royal Indian Navy and the Royal Pakistan Navy.

    With India becoming a Republic on January 26, 1950, the prefix ‘Royal’ was dropped and it was rechristened as the Indian Navy.

    The current ensign of the Navy is a white flag with horizontal and vertical red stripes, with the Emblem of India emblazoned at the intersection of the two stripes.

    The tricolour is placed in the canton.

    The Union Jack was replaced with the tricolour after Independence in 1947, in the canton.

    The horizontal and vertical red stripes, symbolising the Cross of Saint George, are reminiscent of the colonial era, and are likely to be dropped in the design incorporated for the new ensign.

    On 26 January 1950, the Crown in the naval crest, depicted with an anchor, was replaced by Ashokan Lion for the Indian Navy’s Emblem.

    The invocation to Lord Varuna (The Sea God) in the Vedas was adopted by it for its emblem, with the motto: “Sam no Varunah”, meaning: ‘Be auspicious unto us Oh Varuna’.

    The inscription of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ below the State Emblem was included in crest.

    INS Vikrant will contribute in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region, Vice Chief of Indian Navy Vice Admiral S N Ghormade had said on August 25, ahead of the commissioning of the warship which is built at a cost of around Rs 20,000 crore.

  • Inside Vikrant, India’s airbase on high seas

    Express News Service

    KOCHI:  It  is a floating  city and, once operational, it will be the mainstay of India’s maritime defence. INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, is indeed a game changer. Ten days ahead of its induction, the Indian Navy and the Cochin Shipyard facilitated TNIE an opportunity to experience the jaw-dropping facilities and amazing technologies onboard the aircraft carrier.

    “The indigenous aircraft carrier provides an airfield in the sea, facilitating to extend our air power beyond natural barriers,” said Lieutenant Commander Chaitanya Malhotra leading us through its meandering alleys and the maze of steel cabins.

    The flight deck of INS Vikrant has an area equal to two and a half hockey fields which roughly translates into 12,500 sq m. There is a short runway and a long runway equipped with a ski-jump.

    A red line demarcates the operational area and the technical area. Six helicopters and 12 fighter jets can be parked on the deck and the aircraft will be latched to hold it during rough weather. There are two elevators to move the jets into the hanger located below the deck.

    “The long, flat deck facilitates short takeoff and arrested landing of aircraft. There is a set of 3 arrester wires for recovery of landing jets onboard,” said fighter jet pilot Lieutenant Skanda. Below deck on the carrier is a maze of cabins and corridors that descend 10 levels, leading to a miniature city that includes a hospital, a canteen with a modern kitchen, recreation facility, fitness centre, living quarters, fire station, laundry, a desalination plant and RO plant to provide drinking water.

    Vikrant has a damage control headquarters that receives signals from 3,000 fire sensors and 700 flood sensors. “The monitoring system has been developed by BHEL and it will alert us in case of a fire or flooding,” said Lieutenant Commander Akhil who heads the wing.

    INS VikrantThere is an integrated platform management system which can start and stop any equipment onboard, including power generation and propulsion.

     “The ship has a complex optical cable network which is 2,600km long. The platform gives us the facility to switch on the engine which is located 100m away, from the bridge itself. The ship produces 4 lakh litres of fresh water from the RO plant. The power generated by the ship can light up a small town,” said Malhotra.

    The flight deck has 270 lights that guide fighter jets and helicopters during night landing. It is powered by a 380 watt system.

    The 64 slice CT scan facility onboard INS VikrantThe medical complex is spread over 45 compartments running through three decks. There are five medical officers and 15 medical sailors. There is a 64-slice CT scan centre, a dental centre, two operation theatres, X-ray, ultra sound scanning facility, laboratory, blood transfusion and physiotherapy department.

    “There is a 16-bed ward and we have an anesthetist and a surgeon,” he said. Though the officers were vociferous about the general features of Vikrant, they were tight-lipped on the weaponry.

    Features

    INS Vikrant is named after illustrious predecessor which played a vital role in the 1971 war

    Cost:  Rs 23,000 croreLength: 262 mWidth: 62 metreHeight 59 metreDisplacement: 45,000 tonnesPower: 88 MWEngine: 4 gas turbinesCabling: 2,600 kmFloors: 14Hospital: 16 bedsOperation theatres: 2Compartments: 2,300

    Special cabins for women officersCapacity: 1,750 sailorsFlight deckParking for 6 helicopters and 12 fighter jets270 lights for night landing

    Speed factorTop speed: 28 knotsCruising speed: 18 knotsEndurance: 7,500 nautical miles.

    Can operate 30 aircraftMIG 29K, LCA Navy, Kamov 31MH-60R multirole helicoptersAdvanced Light Helicopters

    Warship grade steel produced through partnership between Navy, DRDO and Steel Authority of India21,500 tonnes of special grade steel used for construction

    Sea trials: August 2021-July 2022

    Dates to rememberKeel laid: February 2009Launched: August 2013Indigenous content: 76%

    KOCHI:  It  is a floating  city and, once operational, it will be the mainstay of India’s maritime defence. INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, is indeed a game changer. Ten days ahead of its induction, the Indian Navy and the Cochin Shipyard facilitated TNIE an opportunity to experience the jaw-dropping facilities and amazing technologies onboard the aircraft carrier.

    “The indigenous aircraft carrier provides an airfield in the sea, facilitating to extend our air power beyond natural barriers,” said Lieutenant Commander Chaitanya Malhotra leading us through its meandering alleys and the maze of steel cabins.

    The flight deck of INS Vikrant has an area equal to two and a half hockey fields which roughly translates into 12,500 sq m. There is a short runway and a long runway equipped with a ski-jump.

    A red line demarcates the operational area and the technical area. Six helicopters and 12 fighter jets can be parked on the deck and the aircraft will be latched to hold it during rough weather. There are two elevators to move the jets into the hanger located below the deck.

    “The long, flat deck facilitates short takeoff and arrested landing of aircraft. There is a set of 3 arrester wires for recovery of landing jets onboard,” said fighter jet pilot Lieutenant Skanda. Below deck on the carrier is a maze of cabins and corridors that descend 10 levels, leading to a miniature city that includes a hospital, a canteen with a modern kitchen, recreation facility, fitness centre, living quarters, fire station, laundry, a desalination plant and RO plant to provide drinking water.

    Vikrant has a damage control headquarters that receives signals from 3,000 fire sensors and 700 flood sensors. “The monitoring system has been developed by BHEL and it will alert us in case of a fire or flooding,” said Lieutenant Commander Akhil who heads the wing.

    INS VikrantThere is an integrated platform management system which can start and stop any equipment onboard, including power generation and propulsion.

     “The ship has a complex optical cable network which is 2,600km long. The platform gives us the facility to switch on the engine which is located 100m away, from the bridge itself. The ship produces 4 lakh litres of fresh water from the RO plant. The power generated by the ship can light up a small town,” said Malhotra.

    The flight deck has 270 lights that guide fighter jets and helicopters during night landing. It is powered by a 380 watt system.

    The 64 slice CT scan facility on
    board INS VikrantThe medical complex is spread over 45 compartments running through three decks. There are five medical officers and 15 medical sailors. There is a 64-slice CT scan centre, a dental centre, two operation theatres, X-ray, ultra sound scanning facility, laboratory, blood transfusion and physiotherapy department.

    “There is a 16-bed ward and we have an anesthetist and a surgeon,” he said. Though the officers were vociferous about the general features of Vikrant, they were tight-lipped on the weaponry.

    Features

    INS Vikrant is named after illustrious predecessor which played a vital role in the 1971 war

    Cost:  Rs 23,000 crore
    Length: 262 m
    Width: 62 metre
    Height 59 metre
    Displacement: 45,000 tonnes
    Power: 88 MW
    Engine: 4 gas turbines
    Cabling: 2,600 km
    Floors: 14
    Hospital: 16 beds
    Operation theatres: 2
    Compartments: 2,300

    Special cabins for women officers
    Capacity: 1,750 sailors
    Flight deck
    Parking for 6 helicopters and 12 fighter jets
    270 lights for night landing

    Speed factor
    Top speed: 28 knots
    Cruising speed: 18 knots
    Endurance: 7,500 nautical miles.

    Can operate 30 aircraft
    MIG 29K, LCA Navy, Kamov 31
    MH-60R multirole helicopters
    Advanced Light Helicopters

    Warship grade steel produced through partnership between Navy, DRDO and Steel Authority of India
    21,500 tonnes of special grade steel used for construction

    Sea trials: August 2021-July 2022

    Dates to remember
    Keel laid: February 2009
    Launched: August 2013
    Indigenous content: 76%

  • Inside Vikrant, India’s first indigenous airbase on high seas

    Express News Service

    KOCHI:  It is a floating city and, once operational, it will be the mainstay of India’s maritime defence. INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, is indeed a game changer. Ten days ahead of its induction, the Indian Navy and the Cochin Shipyard facilitated TNIE an opportunity to experience the jaw-dropping facilities and amazing technologies onboard the aircraft carrier.

    “The indigenous aircraft carrier provides an airfield in the sea, facilitating to extend our air power beyond natural barriers,” said Lieutenant Commander Chaitanya Malhotra leading us through its meandering alleys and the maze of steel cabins.

    The flight deck of INS Vikrant has an area equal to two and a half hockey fields which roughly translates into 12,500 sq m. There is a short runway and a long runway equipped with a ski-jump.

    A red line demarcates the operational area and the technical area. Six helicopters and 12 fighter jets can be parked on the deck and the aircraft will be latched to hold it during rough weather. There are two elevators to move the jets into the hanger located below the deck.

    “The long, flat deck facilitates short takeoff and arrested landing of aircraft. There is a set of 3 arrester wires for recovery of landing jets onboard,” said Lieutenant Skanda.

    Below deck on the carrier is a maze of cabins and corridors that descend 10 levels, leading to a miniature city that includes a hospital, a canteen with a modern kitchen, recreation facility, fitness centre, living quarters, fire station, laundry, a desalination plant and RO plant to provide drinking water.

    Vikrant has a damage control headquarters that receives signals from 3,000 fire sensors and 700 flood sensors.

    “The monitoring system has been developed by BHEL and it will alert us in case of a fire or flooding,” said Lieutenant Commander Akhil who heads the wing.

    INS VikrantThere is an integrated platform management system which can start and stop any equipment onboard, including power generation and propulsion.

     “The ship has a complex optical cable network which is 2,600km long. The platform gives us the facility to switch on the engine which is located 100m away, from the bridge itself. The ship produces 4 lakh litres of fresh water from the RO plant. The power generated by the ship can light up a small town,” said Malhotra.

    The flight deck has 270 lights that guide fighter jets and helicopters during the night landings. It is powered by a 380-watt system.

    The 64-slice CT scan facility onboard INS VikrantThe medical complex is spread over 45 compartments running through three decks. There are five medical officers and 15 medical sailors. There is a 64-slice CT scan centre, a dental centre, two operation theatres, X-ray, ultrasound scanning facility, laboratory, blood transfusion and physiotherapy department.

    “There is a 16-bed ward and we have an anaesthetist and a surgeon,” he said.

    Though the officers were vociferous about its general features of Vikrant, they were tight-lipped on the weaponry.

    Features

    INS Vikrant is named after its illustrious predecessor which played a vital role in the 1971 war.

    Special cabins for women officers

    Speed factor

    Top speed: 28 knots.

    Cruising speed: 18 knots.

    Endurance: 7,500 nautical miles.

    Can operate 30 aircraft.

    MIG 29K, LCA Navy, Kamov 31.

    MH-60R multirole helicopters.

    Advanced Light Helicopters.

    Warship-grade steel is produced through a partnership between the Navy, DRDO and Steel Authority of India.

    21,500 tonnes of special grade steel used for construction.

    Sea trials: August 2021-July 2022.

    Dates to remember

    KOCHI:  It is a floating city and, once operational, it will be the mainstay of India’s maritime defence. INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, is indeed a game changer. Ten days ahead of its induction, the Indian Navy and the Cochin Shipyard facilitated TNIE an opportunity to experience the jaw-dropping facilities and amazing technologies onboard the aircraft carrier.

    “The indigenous aircraft carrier provides an airfield in the sea, facilitating to extend our air power beyond natural barriers,” said Lieutenant Commander Chaitanya Malhotra leading us through its meandering alleys and the maze of steel cabins.

    The flight deck of INS Vikrant has an area equal to two and a half hockey fields which roughly translates into 12,500 sq m. There is a short runway and a long runway equipped with a ski-jump.

    A red line demarcates the operational area and the technical area. Six helicopters and 12 fighter jets can be parked on the deck and the aircraft will be latched to hold it during rough weather. There are two elevators to move the jets into the hanger located below the deck.

    “The long, flat deck facilitates short takeoff and arrested landing of aircraft. There is a set of 3 arrester wires for recovery of landing jets onboard,” said Lieutenant Skanda.

    Below deck on the carrier is a maze of cabins and corridors that descend 10 levels, leading to a miniature city that includes a hospital, a canteen with a modern kitchen, recreation facility, fitness centre, living quarters, fire station, laundry, a desalination plant and RO plant to provide drinking water.

    Vikrant has a damage control headquarters that receives signals from 3,000 fire sensors and 700 flood sensors.

    “The monitoring system has been developed by BHEL and it will alert us in case of a fire or flooding,” said Lieutenant Commander Akhil who heads the wing.

    INS VikrantThere is an integrated platform management system which can start and stop any equipment onboard, including power generation and propulsion.

     “The ship has a complex optical cable network which is 2,600km long. The platform gives us the facility to switch on the engine which is located 100m away, from the bridge itself. The ship produces 4 lakh litres of fresh water from the RO plant. The power generated by the ship can light up a small town,” said Malhotra.

    The flight deck has 270 lights that guide fighter jets and helicopters during the night landings. It is powered by a 380-watt system.

    The 64-slice CT scan facility on
    board INS VikrantThe medical complex is spread over 45 compartments running through three decks. There are five medical officers and 15 medical sailors. There is a 64-slice CT scan centre, a dental centre, two operation theatres, X-ray, ultrasound scanning facility, laboratory, blood transfusion and physiotherapy department.

    “There is a 16-bed ward and we have an anaesthetist and a surgeon,” he said.

    Though the officers were vociferous about its general features of Vikrant, they were tight-lipped on the weaponry.

    Features

    INS Vikrant is named after its illustrious predecessor which played a vital role in the 1971 war.

    Cost:  Rs 20,000 crore.

    Length: 262 m.

    Width: 62 metre.

    Height 59 metre.

    Displacement: 45,000 tonnes.

    Power: 88 MW.

    Engine: 4 gas turbines.

    Cabling: 2,600 km.

    Floors: 14.

    Hospital: 16 beds.

    Operation theatres: 2.

    Compartments: 2,300.

    Special cabins for women officers

    Capacity: 1,750 sailors.

    Flight deck.

    Parking for 6 helicopters and 12 fighter jets.

    270 lights for night landing.

    Speed factor

    Top speed: 28 knots.

    Cruising speed: 18 knots.

    Endurance: 7,500 nautical miles.

    Can operate 30 aircraft.

    MIG 29K, LCA Navy, Kamov 31.

    MH-60R multirole helicopters.

    Advanced Light Helicopters.

    Warship-grade steel is produced through a partnership between the Navy, DRDO and Steel Authority of India.

    21,500 tonnes of special grade steel used for construction.

    Sea trials: August 2021-July 2022.

    Dates to remember

    Keel laid: February 2009.

    Launched: August 2013.

    Indigenous content: 76%.