2nd sea trials of IAC

Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways visited the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ during sea trials on 31 October 2021. The ship had sailed out for the second Sea Trials on 24 October 2021. The maiden sea sortie of the ship was successfully undertaken on 21 August 2021. During the maiden Sea Trials, ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, PGD and auxiliary equipment was satisfactory.

The IAC designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a Public Sector Shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways ( MoPS& W). The indigenous design and construction of the aircraft carrier by Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Ltd. is a shining example in the Nation’s quest for AatmaNirbhar Bharat and ‘Make in India’ initiative with more than 76% indigenous content. This has led to growth in indigenous design and construction capabilities, besides development of large number of ancillary industries, with employment opportunities for over 2000 CSL personnel and about 12000 employees in ancillary industries.

Indigenous content towards procurement of equipment, besides work by CSL and their subcontractors is being directly invested back into the Indian economy. Around 550 Indian firms including about 100 MSMEs are registered with CSL, who are providing various services for construction of IAC.

The ship is now progressing with 2nd phase of Sea Trials, during which detailed trials and testing of propulsion machinery, electrical and electronics suites, deck machinery, lifesaving appliances and ship systems is being progressed.