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| INS Vikrant is comparable in dimensions to the Indian Navy’s current aircraft carrier, the INS Vikramaditya (shown) |
International Military - India is still trying to modernize the defense equipment as an effort to defend the country from all threats. This is natural considering that India is currently facing two allied 'enemies', namely China and Pakistan.
China and Pakistan can be threats that attack the land, sea and air of India. To note, the Indian Navy is currently still operating one aircraft carrier, the Vikramaditya. While China operates two aircraft carriers namely CV-16 Liaoning and CV-17 Shandong.
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China's third aircraft carrier, called the Type 003, is speculated to be launched this year. China has also armed the Pakistani Navy to create a balance of power in the region.
Although Pakistan does not have an aircraft carrier, China's largest warship which has been renamed PNS Tughril was inducted into its Navy last year. The ship has been touted as the 'Carrier killer'.
In the face of threats from these two countries, the inclusion of the IAC Vikrant carrier in the Indian Navy will act as a force multiplier. The IAC Vikrant, due to launch this year, is undergoing its third and most complex sea trial to date.
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The Vikrant's maiden test run took place over five days in August 2021. During these trials, the vessel's performance was evaluated, including the hull, main propulsion, power generation and distribution (PGD), and auxiliary equipment.
The vessel went through its stride during its second sea trials, which will take place in October and November 2021. The IAC-I Vikrant has set sail for phase three sea trials, which will include complex maneuvers to establish a detailed reading of how the vessel performs under various conditions.
Quoted from the Eurasian Times, India's Ministry of Defense said various cruise evolutions were also successfully completed during the second sortie. Now, satisfied with its performance in the last two rounds, the IAC has set sail to perform complex moves to establish specific readings of how the ship is performing under various conditions.
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During the test, scientists from the Naval Science and Technology Laboratory, a DRDO laboratory based in Visakhapatnam, will be involved. In addition, different sets of ship sensors will also be tested.
In addition, the Indian Navy is in the process of testing the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft at a shore-based facility in Goa. Another advanced carrier carrier, the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III will be tested at the same facility in March.
The Indian Navy is committed to inducting multi-role fighter aircraft for carrier operations. Once shore-based trials are complete, the fighter jets will be tested on aircraft carriers.
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However, both the Rafale-M and F/A-18 are designed to be launched from ships using a catapult launch system. According to officials, airlines need only minor adjustments to operate the planes, said a report from The Hindu.
The Vikrant's successful trial and induction will ensure India's entry into the elite club of several countries - the US, UK, Russia, France and China - that have built and operated their own aircraft carriers.
The Vikrant India weighs 40,000 tons, is 262 meters long, 62 meters wide and 59 meters high, having been under construction since 2009. The Vikrant can reach a top speed of about 28 knots and sail at 18 knots, with a range of about 7,500 nautical miles. This is the embodiment of India's domestic manufacturing capabilities with 76 percent original content.
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