INS Vikrant, constructed at Cochin Shipyard Limited, is the largest warship ever built in India. Spanning 262 meters in length and 62 meters in width, it boasts a displacement of approximately 40,000 tonnes. The carrier is designed to operate a mix of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, enhancing the Navy's operational reach and versatility. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that INS Vikrant embodies India's technical acumen and engineering prowess, reinforcing the nation's commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
INS Kalvari, the first of six Scorpene-class submarines, was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in collaboration with France's Naval Group. Measuring 67.5 meters in length with a displacement of 1,565 tonnes, it features advanced stealth capabilities and is equipped with precision-guided weapons, including torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles. The submarine's induction is expected to significantly bolster India's underwater warfare capabilities.
INS Kolkata, the lead ship of the Kolkata-class destroyers, was developed under the Navy's Project 15A. Built at Mazagon Dock, it measures 163 meters in length with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes. The destroyer is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and the Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system, enhancing its offensive and defensive capabilities.
The commissioning of these vessels underscores India's growing emphasis on indigenous defense production, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative aimed at reducing dependence on foreign military imports. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that these inductions reflect India's resolve to achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its commitment to safeguarding maritime interests.
The Indian Navy has been actively pursuing modernization to address emerging security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The addition of INS Vikrant, INS Kalvari, and INS Kolkata is expected to enhance the Navy's operational flexibility and deterrence capabilities, contributing to regional stability.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, present at the ceremony, stated that the induction of these platforms marks a transformative shift in India's maritime defense posture. He reiterated the government's commitment to equipping the armed forces with modern and indigenously developed systems to effectively counter contemporary threats.
The Navy's focus on self-reliance is further evident in its ongoing projects, including the construction of additional Scorpene-class submarines and the development of next-generation destroyers and frigates. These initiatives aim to enhance the Navy's blue-water capabilities, enabling sustained operations across the vast expanse of the IOR.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior naval officers, defense industry representatives, and other dignitaries. The event showcased India's shipbuilding capabilities and the collaborative efforts between the Navy and domestic defense industries.