India launched to sea to test its first aircraft carrier, Vikrant.
The Indian Navy said: “Proud & historic day for India as the reincarnated Vikrant sails for her maiden sea trials today, in the 50th year of her illustrious predecessor’s key role in the victory of 1971 war. Largest & most complex warship ever to be designed & built in India. Many more will follow…”
The new Vikrant Aircraft carrier has been under construction since 2008 at the Indian shipyard Cochin with the help of Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri and Nevsky PKB.
The effect of the latter is noticeable in the shape of the deck. In most respects, the ship resembles the Vikramaditya, the Soviet aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Gorshkov, which was sold to India in 2012. However, the Vikrant was designed as an aircraft carrier, reports Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
The ship’s displacement is 37.5 thousand tons, and it is capable of accommodating up to 14 MiG-29K fighters, Ka-28, Ka-31 and HAL Dhruv helicopters. Earlier, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced that Aircraft carrier “Vikrant” will become part of the country’s navy in 2022.
