INS Vikrant, the first indigenous aircraft carrier and the most complex warship ever built in our country by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, has undergone extensive sea trials since her maiden departure on 04 Aug 21. She entered service in the Indian Navy on 02 Sep 22 in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, the Carrier is a great impetus to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ view of the Indian government.
The carrier is currently undergoing aerial certification and flight integration trials with rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft to achieve “combat-ready” status as soon as possible. As part of the tests, the first landing of the MiG-29K and the indigenous LCA (Navy) was achieved on February 6, 23. Since then, day and night landing trials of all helicopters in the naval inventory have continued. Continuing the momentum on aviation trials, the Navy achieved another historic milestone by undertaking the first night landing of the MiG-29K on May 24, 23. This challenging accomplishment, within three months of the maiden landing, demonstrates the determination, the skill and professionalism of the Indian Navy, the Vikrant crew and naval pilots.