India, Warships
India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, stand as towering symbols of naval supremacy. These warships not only serve as floating fortresses but also represent India’s growing defense capability. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited at a cost of ₹20,000 crore, INS Vikrant is the largest warship ever built in India. Spanning 262 meters in length and 62 meters in width, it has a displacement of 43,000 tons when fully loaded. The aircraft carrier is equipped with cutting-edge automation and combat systems, placing India in the elite club of nations like the US, China, and Russia capable of designing and building such carriers indigenously.
INS Vikramaditya, which joined the Indian Navy on November 16, 2013, is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier acquired from Russia." Named after the legendary Indian emperor Vikramaditya, the 284-meter-long and 60-meter-wide warship displaces 44,500 tons and serves as a floating fortress. Its deployment has significantly bolstered India’s maritime strike capability.
The most striking difference between Vikrant and Vikramaditya lies in their origin and design philosophy. Vikrant features modern Indian-made systems, including advanced radar and automation technology. It reflects a forward-looking digital combat strategy. Vikramaditya, in contrast, is based on traditional Russian engineering and is optimized for MiG-29K fighter jets. Both vessels serve unique tactical roles, enhancing India's flexibility at sea.
INS Vikrant is designed for exceptional performance with a top speed of 28 knots, allowing it to travel up to 7,500 nautical miles. It is equipped with 2,200 compartments and can accommodate a crew of 1,700, including designated quarters for female officers. The ship also features a fully-equipped medical complex with ICUs and laboratories, ensuring it can operate independently on long missions.
INS Vikramaditya, with a top speed of 30 knots, has a range of over 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km). It hosts 22 decks and supports a crew of 1,600. Its massive flight deck, equivalent to three football fields, is designed for heavy air operations. With 8 new-generation boilers and a power generation capacity of 18 MW, it truly is a floating powerhouse.
Both carriers play distinct roles in air and sea combat. Vikrant is geared to deploy India’s indigenous Tejas aircraft and modern helicopters. It features cutting-edge radar and missile systems designed to handle multiple threats. Vikramaditya is equipped with MiG-29K fighter jets and Kamov helicopters, giving it a powerful long-range strike capability. Their air wings make them vital instruments of maritime dominance.
During high-stakes moments like tensions with Pakistan, both carriers provide unmatched deterrence and rapid response capability. Their ability to patrol vast maritime zones and deploy strike aircraft at short notice makes them essential assets in missions like Operation Sindoor. Their presence projects power, deters aggression, and reinforces India’s readiness for any escalation.
While Vikrant exemplifies India's push for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), Vikramaditya reflects the strength of battle-tested global technology. Vikrant’s indigenous origin ensures easier maintenance and future upgrades. Vikramaditya, on the other hand, offers strategic reliability drawn from its proven combat systems. Together, they represent a perfect blend of innovation and experience.
The twin aircraft carriers—Vikrant and Vikramaditya—anchor India's naval dominance in the Indian Ocean Region. They not only safeguard national interests but also assert India's presence in the global maritime landscape.
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