Sarbananda Sonowal reviewing the progress of IAC ‘Vikrant’ sea trials

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal today reviewed the progress of the sea trials of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ during his onboard visit at sea.

The vessel, being built at the Cochin Shipyard, had sailed out for the second sea trials on the 24th of this month. Detailed testing of propulsion machinery, electrical and electronic suites, deck machinery, life saving appliances and ship systems is being undertaken during the sea trials.

The minister asked officials of the Cochin Shipyard to ensure the timely delivery of the vessel by April next year, so that  it can be commissioned by August and coincide with the commemoration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The IAC, with its 76 per cent indigenous content,  is considered as a shining example of the nation’s quest for Atma Nirbhar Bharat and the Make In India initiative of the union government.

With the delivery of the IAC to the Indian Navy, India will join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier.