INS Vikrant, the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, has successfully undergone extensive sea trials since its maiden sailing on August 4, 2021. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on September 2, 2022, in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, aligning with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).
Currently, the aircraft carrier is undergoing Air Certification and Flight Integration Trials with both Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing aircraft to achieve a ‘Combat ready’ state as soon as possible. Significant progress has been made in these trials, including the maiden day landing of MiG-29K and the indigenous LCA (Navy) on February 6, 2023. Subsequently, day and night landing trials of all helicopters in the Naval inventory have been carried out. In another notable achievement, the Indian Navy accomplished the maiden night landing of MiG-29K on May 24, 2023. This remarkable feat, achieved within three months of the first day landing, highlights the determination, skill, and professionalism of the Indian Navy, the crew of INS Vikrant, and the Naval Pilots.