On Wednesday, India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier has set sail for its maiden sea trials. The Twitter account of the Indian Navy shared a video of the 262-metre aircraft carrier, dubbed Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC-1), heading to sea for trials. The navy described the moment as a ‘historic and proud’ day for the country, which has invested vast resources in Indian-made technology.
The navy stated that there will be more sister ships on the way. It also added that the IAC-1 is taking to the waters for its maiden sea trials 50 years after its soon-to-be predecessor played a pivotal role in securing victory in 1971 Indo-Pakistani war. Once commissioned, the vessel will then be named INS Vikrant, meaning ‘stepping beyond’, after its predecessor.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard on this historic feat.
The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 'Vikrant', designed by Indian Navy's Design Team and built by @cslcochin, undertook its maiden sea sortie today. A wonderful example of @makeinindia. Congratulations to @indiannavy and @cslcochin on this historic milestone. pic.twitter.com/AjnafkxOaT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 4, 2021
The Indian Navy also posted a video of the IAC-1.
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 victory in the #1971war
Largest & most complex warship ever to be designed & built in India.
Many more will follow… pic.twitter.com/6cYGtAUhBK— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 4, 2021
IAC has been designed with a very high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation & survivability.
During the maiden sailing, ship’s performance, incl hull, main propulsion, PGD & auxiliary eqpt would be closely watched (4/4)📷 Credits – Capt Navtej Singh pic.twitter.com/50NkmsNI1S
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 4, 2021
Take a look at the photographs of the aircraft carrier:
