INS Vikrant Dominates International Fleet Review and MILAN-2026 Exercises
The majestic aircraft carrier INS Vikrant served as the undisputed star attraction during the International Fleet Review (IFR-2026) and the multinational naval exercise MILAN-2026, which officially commenced off the coast of Visakhapatnam on Thursday. This formidable vessel represents a monumental achievement in India's defense manufacturing capabilities and naval prowess.
Engineering Marvel with Indigenous Excellence
Commissioned on September 2, 2022, INS Vikrant stands as the largest warship ever constructed in India, measuring an impressive 262.5 meters in length. To put this into perspective, the carrier's dimensions equal two full-sized cricket stadiums placed end to end. The ship was meticulously designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and brought to life by Cochin Shipyard Limited, boasting approximately 75 percent indigenous content.
Key specifications of this floating fortress include:
- A width of 61.6 meters and displacement of roughly 45,000 tonnes
- Capability to reach speeds up to 28 knots, powered by four gas turbines
- Accommodation for 1,600 to 1,800 personnel, including 300 officers
- Capacity to carry around 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighters and multiple helicopters
- Operation on the short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) system
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Valor
INS Vikrant proudly inherits its name from India's first aircraft carrier, which was decommissioned in 1997 after serving with distinction. The original INS Vikrant played crucial roles in historic operations including the 1961 Goa Liberation and the 1971 Indo-Pak war, earning an enduring place of honor in naval history.
The new Vikrant, whose name translates to 'courageous,' has already demonstrated its strategic importance by leading the Carrier Battle Group during Operation Sindoor, effectively containing Pakistani naval movements. The ship's motto, 'Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah,' meaning "I defeat those who fight against me," reflects this warrior spirit.
Remarkable Infrastructure and Capabilities
The scale of INS Vikrant is truly staggering. The vessel contains 2,275 separate compartments and features internal wiring extensive enough to stretch from Kochi to Kashi. Its electrical generation capacity is sufficient to power nearly 5,000 households simultaneously.
Additional impressive statistics:
- The aircraft carrier spans approximately 2,500 kilometers in total infrastructure, equivalent to five times the distance between Bengaluru and Karwar
- A complete walk around the carrier covers about 12 kilometers
- The ship represents a significant milestone in India's journey toward naval self-reliance and advanced shipbuilding capability
The presence of INS Vikrant at MILAN-2026 not only showcases India's growing naval capabilities but also serves as a powerful symbol of the nation's technological advancement and commitment to maritime security in the region.
