India's first domestically built aircraft carrier will enter service on the 2nd.
With this, the number of aircraft carriers operated by the Indian Navy will be two, and while China is stepping up its maritime expansion, India is rushing to strengthen its maritime military capabilities.
According to the Indian Navy, the Vikrant, which will be commissioned on the 2nd, is India's first domestically built aircraft carrier with a length of 262 meters and a displacement of 43,000 tons.
With a crew of about 1,600 and a capacity of 30 MiG-29 fighters, she is the second aircraft carrier operated by the Indian Navy after it was purchased from Russia in 2013.
India and its neighbor, China, have been at odds mainly over land borders, but in recent years China, which advocates the "One Belt, One Road" initiative for a huge economic zone, is stepping up its maritime expansion. hurry to strengthen.
In addition, India has purchased many of its weapons from Russia for many years, but after the invasion of Ukraine, it wants to break away from its dependence on foreign countries and domestically produce weapons, and 76% of the "Vikrant" is domestically produced parts. is used.
On the 2nd, a commemorative event will be held in Kochi, Kerala, in the presence of Prime Minister Modi to celebrate the commissioning of the new aircraft carrier.
"Adding 6 nuclear submarines in a few years"
"China is very aggressive in both the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Indian Ocean," said retired Indian military veteran and security expert Maj. Gen. PK Segal. It must be done," he said, pointing out that the strengthening of the navy was made with China in mind as it strengthens its maritime expansion.
“The construction of the aircraft carrier shows that India is one of the few nations in the world capable of manufacturing high-tech weapons and is gaining strength in terms of defense independence,” he said. He emphasized the significance of commissioning an aircraft carrier.
"Aware that there is still a big gap with China's navy, India hopes to add six more nuclear submarines in the next few years. India, along with friendly nations, will stretch from the Straits of Malacca to the Arabian Sea. We want to secure sea superiority," he said, indicating that India will continue to strengthen its navy.