The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed that the first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) INS Vikrant has completed the fourth phase of sea trials.
The aircraft carrier underwent a series of integrated trials for the majority of the systems and equipment on board, including some aviation facilities’ complex equipment.
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Delivery of the Indian Navy’s first IAC is expected towards the end of this month.
Following its delivery, the IAC will be commissioned into service in August.
In a press statement, the Indian Navy said: “The ship’s delivery is being targeted in end July 2022, followed by commissioning of the ship in Aug 2022 to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.”
The latest trial phase comes after the third phase of sea trials, which were completed in January this year.
The IAC underwent its maiden sea trials in August 2021 and the second phase was concluded in October last year.
The three phases of sea trials involved endurance evaluation of the ship’s propulsion machinery, lifesaving appliances, deck machinery, electrical and electronic suites, as well as ship’s navigation and communication systems.
The Vikrant-class aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is the first IAC to be designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND).
The ship is being constructed by Cochin Shipyard (CSL) in Kochi, India.
With over 76% of indigenous content, the new aircraft carrier supports the Government of India’s (GOI) ‘Make in India’ and ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
Furthermore, the associated work has led to the development of several ancillary industries, offering more than 2,000 job opportunities at CSL and around 12,000 in ancillary industries.
Once constructed, INS Vikrant will operate various aircraft including, MiG-29K, light combat aircraft (LCA), Kamov 31 helicopter and advanced light helicopter (ALH).
