INS Vikrant set for launch tomorrow

Our Bureau Updated - August 11, 2013 at 10:00 PM.

All set: The first indigenous aircraft carrier, to be named INS Vikrant, is all decked up at the drydock of the Cochin Shipyard on Sunday. The aircraft carrier will be launched formally on Monday and inducted into the Navy in 2018.— S. Anandan

The aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd will be formally launched at a function at the yard on Monday.

Elizabeth Antony, wife of Union Defence Minister, A.K. Antony, will name and launch the ship. Besides, Antony, Union Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan, and Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Food K.V. Thomas will be present on the occasion.

The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier designed by the Indian Navy (Directorate General of Naval Design) is one of the most prestigious warship projects of the Defence Ministry and is unprecedented in terms of size and complexity compared to any indigenous warship project till date.

With this project, India becomes the fourth nation to join the select club of 40,000 tonnes aircraft carrier designers and builders.

Published on August 11, 2013 07:05