INS Vikrant, a name synonymous with courage and naval dominance, represents two iconic Indian aircraft carriers in the Indian Navy’s history: the original INS Vikrant (1961–1997), a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and the modern INS Vikrant (commissioned 2022), India’s first indigenously built carrier. This article explores the legacy, operations, specifications, and strategic significance of INS Vikrant, addressing key questions like INS Vikrant cost, INS Vikrant current location, and how many aircraft carriers India has. With its motto, “Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprudhah” (“I defeat those who dare to challenge me”), Vikrant embodies India’s maritime ambitions.
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INS Vikrant Full Form
The full form of INS Vikrant is Indian Naval Ship Vikrant. The prefix “INS” denotes a commissioned vessel of the Indian Navy, while “Vikrant,” derived from Sanskrit, means “courageous,” reflecting the carrier’s formidable legacy.
INS Vikrant 1971: A Hero of the Indo-Pak War
The original INS Vikrant, commissioned in 1961, was India’s first aircraft carrier and played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. Stationed in the Bay of Bengal, Vikrant’s operations were instrumental in securing India’s victory.
Key Operations in 1971
- Naval Blockade: Vikrant’s air wing, including Hawker Sea Hawk fighters and Breguet Alizé anti-submarine aircraft, flew over 300 sorties, striking Pakistani ports, airfields, and supply lines in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, and Khulna.
- PNS Ghazi Counter: Pakistan’s submarine PNS Ghazi aimed to sink Vikrant but was sunk by the Indian destroyer INS Rajput on December 4, 1971, near Visakhapatnam, ensuring Vikrant’s safety.
- Impact: The blockade crippled Pakistan’s logistics, accelerating its surrender on December 16, 1971.
1971 War Highlights
| Operation | Naval blockade of East Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Used | Hawker Sea Hawk, Breguet Alizé |
| Sorties Flown | Over 300 |
| Key Targets | Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna |
| Notable Victory | Sinking of PNS Ghazi by INS Rajput |
INS Vikrant History: From HMS Hercules to Indigenous Marvel
The Original INS Vikrant (1961–1997)
Originally laid down as HMS Hercules for the British Royal Navy during World War II, the first INS Vikrant was purchased by India in 1957 and commissioned on March 4, 1961, in Portsmouth, UK. It served for 36 years, undergoing refits to operate modern aircraft like Sea Harriers before decommissioning on January 31, 1997. Post-decommissioning, it became a museum ship in Mumbai until its scrapping in 2014 for ₹60 crore ($7.1 million) due to maintenance challenges.
The Modern INS Vikrant (2022–Present)
Commissioned on September 2, 2022, by PM Narendra Modi, the modern INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it reflects India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with 76% indigenous components.
INS Vikrant Timeline
| Original (1961–1997) | Modern (2022–Present) | |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioned | March 4, 1961 | September 2, 2022 |
| Origin | Ex-HMS Hercules (UK) | Indigenous (India) |
| Builder | Harland & Wolff, Belfast | Cochin Shipyard, Kochi |
| Decommissioned | January 31, 1997 | Active |
| Fate | Scrapped (2014) | Operational |
INS Vikrant Operations: Past and Present
Operations of INS Vikrant (1961–1997)
Beyond the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the original Vikrant participated in:
- Goa Liberation (1961): Provided standby air support during Operation Vijay.
- Naval Exercises: Conducted drills with allied navies (UK, US, Soviet Union) for anti-submarine and air defense training.
- Humanitarian Missions: Supported cyclone relief in the Bay of Bengal with helicopter deployments.
Operations of Modern INS Vikrant (2022–Present)
Since commissioning, the modern INS Vikrant has undertaken strategic and multinational operations:
- Operation Sindoor (2025): Deployed to the Arabian Sea in April–May 2025 amid tensions with Pakistan, confirmed by satellite imagery (April 23, 2025).
- Milan 2024: Participated in the multinational naval exercise off Visakhapatnam, showcasing air wing capabilities.
- Dual-Carrier Operations: Conducted joint exercises with INS Vikramaditya in 2023–2024, demonstrating India’s two-carrier capability.
Modern INS Vikrant Operations
| Operation Sindoor (2025) | Arabian Sea deployment for deterrence |
|---|---|
| Milan 2024 | Multinational exercise with 50+ navies |
| Dual-Carrier Drills | Joint operations with INS Vikramaditya |
| Future Plans | Malabar exercise, Indo-Pacific patrols |
INS Vikrant Length and Capacity
The modern INS Vikrant is a technological marvel, designed for versatility and power projection.
Specifications
| INS Vikrant Length | 262 meters (860 feet) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 45,000 tonnes |
| INS Vikrant Capacity | Up to 30 aircraft (MiG-29K, Kamov-31, MH-60R, ALH, LCA Navy) |
| Crew | ~1,600 personnel |
| Propulsion | 4 GE LM2500+ gas turbines (88 MW) |
| Speed | 28 knots |
| Range | 7,500 nautical miles |
The carrier uses a STOBAR system with a ski-jump and arrester wires, supported by advanced radars like EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA and Selex RAN-40L. It features medical facilities, including a CT scanner, and produces 400,000 liters of freshwater daily.
INS Vikrant Cost and Price
The construction of the modern INS Vikrant faced delays and cost overruns, reflecting the complexity of indigenous warship building.
Cost Breakdown
| Initial Estimate (2003) | ₹3,200 crore ($400 million) |
|---|---|
| Revised Cost (2014) | ₹19,341 crore ($2.5 billion) |
| Total INS Vikrant Cost | ~₹23,000 crore ($2.9 billion) |
The INS Vikrant price includes investments in 76% indigenous components, such as warship-grade steel from SAIL, and foreign systems like Russian aviation complexes and US gas turbines.
INS Vikrant Current Location
As of May 2025, INS Vikrant’s current location is the Arabian Sea, where it is deployed under Operation Sindoor in response to tensions with Pakistan following a terror attack in Pahalgam. Satellite imagery (April 23, 2025) confirms its strategic positioning. When not deployed, Vikrant is based at INS Kadamba, Karwar, Karnataka, with plans to shift to Visakhapatnam once Eastern Seaboard infrastructure is complete.
How Many Aircraft Carriers India Has
As of May 2025, India operates two aircraft carriers:
- INS Vikrant (commissioned 2022, indigenous).
- INS Vikramaditya (commissioned 2013, ex-Russian Kiev-class).
India plans a third carrier, INS Vishal (65,000 tonnes), with advanced features like electromagnetic launch systems, expected by the 2030s.
India’s Aircraft Carriers
| INS Vikrant | 45,000 tonnes, indigenous, 2022 | 2013 |
|---|---|
| INS Vikramaditya | 45,000 tonnes, Russian, 2013 |
| INS Vishal (Planned) | 65,000 tonnes, under design |
INS Vikrant FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
What Happened to INS Vikrant?
The original INS Vikrant was decommissioned in 1997, served as a museum ship in Mumbai until 2012, and was scrapped in 2014 for ₹60 crore due to high maintenance costs. The modern INS Vikrant remains active, bolstering India’s naval capabilities.
Which Is the Biggest Ship in India?
INS Vikrant (45,000 tonnes, 262 meters) is currently India’s biggest warship, rivaling INS Vikramaditya in size but surpassing it in indigenous technology and automation.
Who Sank INS Vikrant?
No one sank INS Vikrant. The original carrier was scrapped, not sunk. During the 1971 war, Pakistan’s PNS Ghazi attempted to attack Vikrant but was sunk by INS Rajput. The modern Vikrant is fully operational.
Where Is INS Vikrant Located?
As of May 2025, INS Vikrant is located in the Arabian Sea under Operation Sindoor, with its home base at INS Kadamba, Karwar. It will relocate to Visakhapatnam in the future.
FAQ Summary
| What Happened to INS Vikrant? | Original scrapped (2014); modern active |
|---|---|
| Biggest Ship in India? | INS Vikrant (45,000 tonnes) |
| Who Sank INS Vikrant? | Never sunk; PNS Ghazi sunk in 1971 |
| Where Is INS Vikrant Located? | Arabian Sea (May 2025); based at Karwar |
Strategic Significance of INS Vikrant
INS Vikrant is more than an Indian aircraft carrier; it is a symbol of India’s maritime sovereignty and technological prowess. The original Vikrant’s role in 1971 showcased India’s tactical brilliance, while the modern Vikrant strengthens India’s blue-water navy, countering regional threats like China’s naval expansion and projecting power in the Indo-Pacific. Its participation in exercises like Milan 2024 and Operation Sindoor underscores its role as a strategic deterrent.
Conclusion
From its heroic exploits in INS Vikrant 1971 to its modern role as a beacon of indigenous innovation, INS Vikrant embodies India’s naval legacy and future aspirations. With a length of 262 meters, a capacity of 30 aircraft, and a cost of ₹23,000 crore, the modern Vikrant is a floating fortress, currently deployed in the Arabian Sea. As India expands its fleet with plans for INS Vishal, Vikrant remains a cornerstone of its maritime strategy, safeguarding national interests and asserting regional dominance.
For more insights, visit the Indian Navy’s official website or explore Wikipedia.
