INS Vikrant (2013): Difference between revisions

{{Use Indian English|date=November 2018}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}

{|{{Infobox ship begin

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| Ship namesake = {{INS|Vikrant|R11|3}}

| Ship original cost = $0.5 billion (planned), $3.13 billion as of Jan 2020<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ghoshal |first1=Adreesh |title=Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar Reviews The Progress of India's Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, Basin Trials To Commence Soon |url=http://delhidefencereview.com/2020/01/22/iac-1-progress-update/ |website=Delhi Defence Review |date=22 January 2020 |access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>

| Ship acquired = 28 July 2022 <ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cochin-shipyard-delivers-countrys-first-indigenously-made-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-to-navy-8056637/ | title=Indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant handed over to Indian Navy | date=29 July 2022 }}</ref>

| Ship identification =  

| Ship motto = [[Sanskrit]] जयेम सं युधिस्पृध: ({{translation|I defeat those who fight against me}})

| Ship status = in active service<ref name="delivery_IAC"/><ref name="newindianexpress.com">{{Cite web|title=Aircraft carrier Vikrant completes third sea trials, returns to Kochi harbour|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/jan/17/aircraft-carrier-vikrant-completes-third-sea-trials-returns-to-kochi-harbour-2407857.amp|access-date=2022-01-17|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

| Ship displacement = {{displacement|45,000|unknown|first=loaded}}<ref>{{Cite web|last=Farley|first=Robert|title=An Update on India's Aircraft Carrier Aspirations|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/10/an-update-on-indias-aircraft-carrier-aspirations/|access-date=2020-10-25|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

{{convert|40,000|t|abbr=on}} standard

| Ship height = {{convert|59|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1742282 |title=Commencement of Sea Trials of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier IAC-P71 'VIKRANT' |last= |first= |date=4 August 2021 |website=Press Information Bureau |publisher=Government of India |access-date=6 August 2021}}</ref>

| Ship power = *4{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}[[General Electric LM2500+]] [[gas turbine]]

*2 × [[Elecon Engineering|Elecon]] [[Combined gas and gas|COGAG]] gearbox<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Navy gets most critical, made in India, CM system for its indigenous Aircraft Carrier |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/indian-navy-gets-most-critical-made-in-india-cm-system-for-its-indigenous-aircraft-carrier/1532128/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000403/https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/indian-navy-gets-most-critical-made-in-india-cm-system-for-its-indigenous-aircraft-carrier/1532128/ |archive-date=2020-11-08 |access-date=2022-09-02 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref>

| Ship speed = {{convert|30|kn}}<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2021-06-25|title=Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, to be named INS Vikrant, is biggest ship made in India|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-named-ins-vikrant-is-biggest-ship-made-in-india/article34970142.ece|access-date=2021-07-10|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

| Ship range = {{convert|8000|nmi}}<ref name=DN449/>

*[[Selex ES|Selex]] [[Selex RAN-40L|RAN-40L]] 3D [[L-Band]] Air Surveillance Radar<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cochinshipyard.com/uploads/anualreport/973b9f482337cbdec7c3c7761a973555.pdf|title=Annual Report 2019–20|publisher=Cochin Shipyard Ltd|access-date=25 September 2020}}</ref>

*4 × [[AK-630]] [[Close-in weapon system|CIWS]]<ref>{{cite web |title=List of Aircraft Carriers Under Construction: 2013 |url=http://world-defece-review.blogspot.com/2013/02/list-of-aircraft-carriers-under.html#ixzz2nvBh8WNd |publisher=World Defense Review |access-date=17 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519090716/http://world-defece-review.blogspot.com/2013/02/list-of-aircraft-carriers-under.html#ixzz2nvBh8WNd |archive-date=19 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="YouTube_6CXLp926P20">{{YouTube |6CXLp926P20 |Navy to go for VISHAL {{!}} Vikrant's Lift 10x14m}}</ref>

| Ship aircraft = 30 Aircrafts<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ins-vikrant-india-s-1st-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-commissioned-today-101662087518857.html|title=PM Modi commissions INS Vikrant, nation's first made-in-India aircraft carrier|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=3 September 2022}}</ref>

'''Indian Navy Ship Vikrant''' (<small>pronounced: [[Help:IPA/Hindi|vikrɑːnt̪]]</small>)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/indias-first-homegrown-aircraft-carrier-to-enter-sea-trials-in-early-2020/|title=India's First Homegrown Aircraft Carrier to Enter Sea Trials in Early 2020|last=Gady|first=Franz-Stefan|website=The Diplomat|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-05}}</ref> is an [[aircraft carrier]] constructed by the [[Cochin Shipyard Limited]] (CSL) for the [[Indian Navy]]. It is the first [[aircraft carrier]] to be built in India. It is named 'Vikrant' as a tribute to India's first (1961) aircraft carrier, [[INS Vikrant (1961)|''Vikrant'' (R11)]]. The name ''Vikrant'' means "courageous" in [[Sanskrit]].<ref name="unveils">{{cite news|title=India unveils home-built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/12/world/asia/india-aircraft-carrier/index.html|first=Harmeet|last=Singh|date=12 August 2013|work=[[CNN]]|access-date=18 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517035330/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/12/world/asia/india-aircraft-carrier/index.html|archive-date=17 May 2015}}</ref> The motto of the ship, ''"Jayema Saṁ Yudhi Spr̥dhaḥ"'', means "I defeat those who fight against me".

Up to 26 [[MiG-29K]]<ref>{{cite web |title=India to buy 26 fighters for INS Vikrant on G-2-G basis |date=30 May 2022 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-to-buy-26-fighters-for-ins-vikrant-on-g-2-g-basis-101653881468920.html |publisher=Hindustan times |access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref> fighter jets, 4 [[Kamov Ka-31]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghuvanshi |first=Vivek |date=2022-05-16 |title=India halts Ka-31 helicopter deal with Russia |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2022/05/16/india-halts-ka-31-helicopter-deal-with-russia/ |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> helicopters, 2 [[HAL Dhruv]] [[Utility Helicopter|NUH]]<ref name = "pib">{{cite web|title=India's First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier - INS Vikrant|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/efeatures.aspx?relid=98885|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312125852/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/efeatures.aspx?relid=98885|archive-date=12 March 2016}}</ref> utility helicopters and 4 [[MH-60R]]<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Negi, Manjeet |author2=Bhalla, Abhishek |title=Indian Navy receives first two 24 MH-60R helicopters from US |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-receives-first-two-mh-60r-helicopters-from-us-1829217-2021-07-17 |date= 17 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-18 |website=India Today}}</ref>multi-role helicopters <ref name="msn" /> will fly from INS ''Vikrant''. At 262 metres length, with a top speed 28 knots, and endurance of 7,500 nautical miles, the ship has a 2,300 compartment manned by 1700 seamen. It has a hospital complex, cabins for women officers, two football field-sized flight decks, eight kilometres of corridors, and  eight generators capable of lighting up a city of 2 million people.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IAC Vikrant, India's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier, to be commissioned on September 2|url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/india/iac-vikrant-india-s-first-indigenously-built-aircraft-carrier-to-be-commissioned-on-september-2/|publisher=msn|access-date=23 August 2022}}</ref>

Work on the ship's design began in 1999, and the [[Keel laying|keel]] was laid in 2009. The carrier was floated out of [[dry dock]] on 29 December 2011<ref name=hindu-float/> and [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 12 August 2013.<ref name="TOILaunch">[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-launches-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-INS-Vikrant/articleshow/21774409.cms India launches first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820063657/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/India-launches-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-INS-Vikrant/articleshow/21774409.cms |date=20 August 2016 }} Times of India 12 August 2013</ref> Basin trials were completed in December 2020,<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-11-30|title=India's New Aircraft Carrier IAC 1 – INS Vikrant Passes Basin Trials|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/indias-new-aircraft-carrier-iac-1-ins-vikrant-passes-basin-trials/|access-date=2020-12-05|website=Naval News|language=en-US}}</ref> and sea trials started in August 2021.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, to be named INS Vikrant, finally begins sea trials|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-named-ins-vikrant-finally-begins-sea-trials/articleshow/85031100.cms|access-date=2021-08-04|website=Times of India}}</ref> Her [[Ship commissioning|commissioning]] ceremony was held on 2 September 2022.<ref name="PTICommission">{{cite news|url=http://www.ptinews.com/news/13670227_PM-Commissions-INS-Vikrant.html|title=PM Commissions INS Vikrant|publisher=Press Trust of India|date=2 September 2022|access-date=2 September 2022}}</ref> Aircraft flight trials will be completed in 2023.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="HBL">{{cite news|title = Navy's long-term plan is to have three aircraft carriers, says Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh|url = https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/indian-navys-long-term-plan-is-to-have-three-aircraft-carriers-navy-chief-admiral-karambir-singh/article30147141.ece|date = 3 December 2019|access-date = 4 December 2019|newspaper = [[Business Line]]}}</ref> The total cost of the project is approximately {{INRConvert|23000|c|year=2021}} at the time of first sea trials.<ref>{{cite news|title=India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant sets off for sea trials from Kochi|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/aug/04/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-sets-off-for-sea-trials-from-kochi-2340044.html |date=4 August 2021|access-date=4 August 2021|publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref name = "msn">{{Cite web|title=IAC Vikrant, India's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier, to be commissioned on September 2|url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/india/iac-vikrant-india-s-first-indigenously-built-aircraft-carrier-to-be-commissioned-on-september-2/|publisher=msn|access-date=23 August 2022}}</ref>

In 1999, [[Defence Minister of India|Defence Minister]] [[George Fernandes]] authorised the development and construction of an aircraft carrier, 'INS Vikrant', under the Project 71 Air Defence Ship (ADS).<ref name=br-iac>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Ships/Future/185-Indian-Aircraft-Carrier.html |title=Indian Aircraft Carrier (Project-71) |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217185025/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Ships/Future/185-Indian-Aircraft-Carrier.html |archive-date=17 February 2012 }}</ref> By that time, given the ageing [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier|Sea Harrier]] fleet, the letter of intent called for a carrier that would carry more modern jet fighters. In 2001, [[Cochin Shipyard|Cochin Shipyard Limited]] (CSL) released a graphic illustration showing a 32,000-ton [[STOBAR]] (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) design with a pronounced [[Ski-jump (aviation)|ski jump]].<ref>{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/ads.htm |title=Air Defense Ship |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=1 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228050344/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/ads.htm |archive-date=28 December 2010}}</ref> The aircraft carrier project finally received formal government approval in January 2003. By then, design updates called for a 37,500-ton carrier to operate the [[Mikoyan MiG-29K]]. India opted for a three-carrier fleet consisting of one [[carrier battle group]] stationed on each seaboard, and a third carrier held in reserve, in order to continuously protect both its flanks, to protect economic interests and mercantile traffic, and to provide humanitarian platforms in times of disasters, since a carrier can provide a self-generating supply of fresh water, medical assistance or engineering expertise to populations in need for assistance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/IndiasFutureAircraftCarrierForceandtheNeedforStrategicFlexibility_irehman_010610|title=India's Future Aircraft Carrier Force and the Need for Strategic Flexibility|work=idsa.in|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406065524/http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/IndiasFutureAircraftCarrierForceandtheNeedforStrategicFlexibility_irehman_010610|archive-date=6 April 2013|access-date=17 March 2019}}</ref>

In August 2006, [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]] [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Arun Prakash]] stated that the designation for the vessel had been changed from Air Defence Ship (ADS) to Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC). The euphemistic ADS had been adopted in planning stages to ward off concerns about a naval build-up. Final revisions to the design increased the [[Displacement (ship)|displacement]] of the carrier from 37,500 tons to over 40,000 tons. The length of the ship also increased from {{convert|252|m|ft}} to {{convert|262|m|ft|abbr=}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=48166 |title=Antony lays keel of first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier |publisher=Pib.nic.in |access-date=1 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114043451/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=48166 |archive-date=14 January 2011}}</ref>

The indigenous aircraft carrier INS ''Vikrant'' is {{convert|262|m|ft}} long and {{convert|62|m|ft|abbr=}} wide, and displaces about {{Convert|45000|MT|LT|lk=out}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Farley|first=Robert|title=An Update on India's Aircraft Carrier Aspirations|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/10/an-update-on-indias-aircraft-carrier-aspirations/|access-date=2021-07-10|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US}}</ref> It features a STOBAR configuration<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theworldreporter.com/2013/08/aicraft-carrier-liaoning-vs-indian-ins-vikrant.html |title=Comparison of Chinese Aircraft Carrier Liaoning and Indian INS Vikrant |work=The World Reporter |last=Shrivastava |first=Sanskar |date=25 August 2013 |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828195035/http://www.theworldreporter.com/2013/08/aicraft-carrier-liaoning-vs-indian-ins-vikrant.html |archive-date=28 August 2013}}</ref> with a ski-jump. The deck is designed to enable aircraft such as the MiG-29K to operate from the carrier. It is expected to carry an air group of up to thirty aircraft, which will include up to 24–26 fixed-wing combat aircraft,<ref name="sp'snavalforces">{{cite web |title=Force Projection and Modernization of Indian Navy |url=http://www.spsnavalforces.com/ebook.asp?Id=140203043725-c916f52beb13022808869dac8e2950ae&Name=sp_s_naval_forces_01_-_2014&Info=SP%27s%20Naval%20Forces%20February%20-%20March%202014&t=1359441862394&r=85&mob=10055951&year=2014 |date=March 2014 |publisher=SP's Naval Forces |last=Ramsay |first=Sushil |volume=9 |number=1 |pages=4–6 |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504171903/http://www.spsnavalforces.com/ebook.asp?Id=140203043725-c916f52beb13022808869dac8e2950ae&Name=sp_s_naval_forces_01_-_2014&Info=SP%27s%20Naval%20Forces%20February%20-%20March%202014&t=1359441862394&r=85&mob=10055951&year=2014 |archive-date=4 May 2014}}</ref> primarily the MiG-29K, besides carrying 10 [[Kamov Ka-31]] or [[Westland Sea King]] helicopters. The Ka-31 will fulfill the [[airborne early warning]] (AEW) role and the Sea King will provide [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) capability.<ref name="hindu-keel">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/keellaying-of-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-in-december/article1348007.ece |title=Keel-laying of indigenous aircraft carrier in December |last=Anandan |first=S. |work=The Hindu |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=18 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="indrus5dec12">{{cite news|first=Rakesh Krishnan |last=Simha |title=Vikramaditya and Liaoning – forces of the future |url=http://indrus.in/articles/2012/12/05/vikramaditya_and_liaoning_-_forces_of_the_future_19567.html |access-date=18 May 2015 |newspaper=IndRus |date=5 December 2012}}</ref>

[[File:INS Vikrant CGI.png|thumb|A schematic diagram of INS ''Vikrant'']]

''Vikrant'' is powered by four [[General Electric LM2500+]] gas turbines on two shafts, generating over 80 megawatts (110,000&nbsp;hp) of power. The gearboxes for the carriers were designed and supplied by [[Elecon Engineering]].<ref name="hindu-float">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2758985.ece |title=Navy floats out first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier |work=The Hindu |last1=Anandan |first1=S. |last2=Martin |first2=K. A. |date=30 December 2011 |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104111832/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2758985.ece |archive-date=4 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="bs-gears">{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/elecon-to-supply-gears-for-indias-first-aircraft-carrier/459654/ |title=Elecon to supply gears for India's first aircraft carrier |work=Business Standard|last=Vora |first=Rutan |date=26 December 2011 |access-date=18 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="ect5a">{{cite news |title=India starts work on second indigenous aircraft carrier |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/India-starts-work-on-second-indigenous-aircraft-carrier/articleshow/15004643.cms|work=The Economic Times |date=16 July 2012 |access-date=18 May 2015}}</ref>

The ship's combat management system (CMS) was developed by [[Tata Power SED|Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division]] in collaboration with Weapon and Electronics System Engineering Establishment and MARS, [[Russia]]. It is the first CMS developed by a private company for the Indian Navy, and was handed over to the Navy on 28 March 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gurung |first1=Shaurya Karanbir |title=Indian Navy gets combat management system for INS Vikrant |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-navy-gets-combat-management-system-for-ins-vikrant/articleshow/68635755.cms |website=The Economic Times |access-date=3 July 2019 |date=29 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Indian Navy gets most critical, made in India, CM system for its indigenous Aircraft Carrier |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/indian-navy-gets-most-critical-made-in-india-cm-system-for-its-indigenous-aircraft-carrier/1532128/ |website=The Financial Express |access-date=3 July 2019 |date=29 March 2019}}</ref>

===Carrier air group===

India considered a number of aircraft for operation from its aircraft carrier, {{INS|Vikramaditya}} and the planned indigenous aircraft carrier. India evaluated the Russian [[Sukhoi Su-33]], but chose the lighter MiG-29K as ''Vikramaditya'' was smaller and lacked an [[aircraft catapult]].<ref name="sp-su33">{{cite news|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/20091013.aspx|title=MiG-29 Shuts Down The Su-33|date=13 October 2009|access-date=31 December 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105001550/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/20091013.aspx|archive-date=5 November 2012}}</ref> On 18 January 2010, it was reported that India and Russia were close to signing a deal for 29 MiG-29K fighters to operate from IAC-1.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-18/india/28115936_1_refit-rechristened-ins-vikramaditya-largest-defence-supplier | first1=Rajat | last1=Pandit | title=India, Russia to ink $1.2 bn deal for 29 more MiG-29Ks | date=18 January 2010 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202145014/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-launched-in-august-ak-antony/391008-3.html | work=[[The Times of India]] | archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> In addition, the Navy signed a deal for six naval-variants of the indigenous [[HAL Tejas]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Sandeep Unnithan |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/73256/Top%20Stories/First+indigenous+aircraft+carrier+to+be+launched+next+year:+Navy+chief.html |title=First indigenous aircraft carrier to be launched next year: Navy chief: LATEST HEADLINES: India Today |publisher=Indiatoday.intoday.in |date=2 December 2009 |access-date=1 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126052127/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/73256/Top%2BStories/First%2Bindigenous%2Baircraft%2Bcarrier%2Bto%2Bbe%2Blaunched%2Bnext%2Byear%3A%2BNavy%2Bchief.html |archive-date=26 January 2010}}</ref> In June 2012, ''[[FlightGlobal|Flight Global]]'' reported that the Indian Navy was considering the use of the [[Dassault Rafale|Dassault Rafale M]] (Naval variant) on these carriers.<ref name="FM">{{cite news|title=IAC enters trial as navy eyes Rafale|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indian-aircraft-carrier-enters-sea-trials-as-navy-eyes-rafale-372925/|access-date=1 August 2012|newspaper=Flight magazine|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623224451/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indian-aircraft-carrier-enters-sea-trials-as-navy-eyes-rafale-372925/|archive-date=23 June 2012}}</ref> On 6 January 2022, The Indian Navy started testing the Rafale-M for operations from INS Vikrant at the [[shore-based test facility]] at [[INS Hansa]] in [[Goa]]. Some reports citing the same also indicated that the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet would be tested at the same locale in March 2022<ref>{{Cite web|last=P|first=Rajat|date=6 January 2022|title=Demonstration of Rafale fighter for Navy begins at Goa, F/A-18 next in March {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/demonstration-of-rafale-fighter-begins-for-navy-at-goa-f/a-18-next-in-march/articleshow/88740199.cms|access-date=2022-01-06|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-01|title=Navy to test Rafale-M jet for INS Vikrant|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-set-to-conduct-trials-of-rafale-fighter-s-naval-version-101640980226180.html|access-date=2022-01-06|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Dubois|first=Gastón|date=2022-01-03|title=Rafale M to begin Ski-Jump take-off trials for Indian Navy|url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/01/rafale-m-to-begin-ski-jump-take-off-trials-for-indian-navy/|access-date=2022-01-06|website=Aviacionline.com|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-04|title=Indian Navy to conduct flight tests of Rafale-M fighter jet|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/indian-navy-tests-rafale-m-fighter/|access-date=2022-01-06|website=Naval Technology|language=en-US}}</ref>

In December 2016, the Navy announced that the HAL Tejas was overweight for carrier operations, and other alternatives would be looked at.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-rejects-Tejas-says-overweight-fighter-does-not-meet-its-requirements/articleshow/55756350.cms|title=Navy rejects Tejas, says 'overweight' fighter does not meet its requirements|work=The Times of India|access-date=22 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206075145/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-rejects-Tejas-says-overweight-fighter-does-not-meet-its-requirements/articleshow/55756350.cms|archive-date=6 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/navy-rules-out-deploying-overweight-tejas-on-aircraft-carriers-4407349/|title=Navy rules out deploying 'overweight' Tejas on aircraft carriers|date=2 December 2016|work=indianexpress.com|access-date=22 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220195429/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/navy-rules-out-deploying-overweight-tejas-on-aircraft-carriers-4407349/|archive-date=20 December 2016}}</ref> The Navy settled with MiG-29K as the primary aircraft for the IAC-1.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-12-04|title=IAC-1 to be inducted into Indian Navy in 2020|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/iac-1-to-be-inducted-into-indian-navy-in-2020-2160887.html|access-date=2021-02-18|website=Zee News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=PTI|date=3 Dec 2018|title=IAC-1 to be inducted into Indian Navy in 2020 {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iac-1-to-be-inducted-into-indian-navy-in-2020/articleshow/66922950.cms|access-date=2021-02-18|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>  

In late January 2017, the Indian Navy released an international [[Request for Information]] (RFI) for 57 "Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighters". The main contest was between the [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]] and the [[Dassault Rafale|Dassault Rafale-M]]. Both these aircraft are operable on the ''Vikrant'' and ''Vikramaditya''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-04-18|title=Requests for proposals: Indian Navy looks to buy 57 fighters for Rs 95,000 crore|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/requests-for-proposals-indian-navy-looks-to-buy-57-fighters-for-rs-95000-crore/1136675/|access-date=2021-04-29|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref> In December 2020, Boeing demonstrated F/A-18E/F operations from Indian carriers at the [[shore-based test facility]] at [[Naval Air Station Patuxent River]] in [[Maryland]], US.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2020-12-21|title=F/A-18 operation on Indian carriers successfully demonstrated: Boeing|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/boeing-says-successful-demonstration-of-f-18s-landing-on-indian-navy-carriers/article33383680.ece|access-date=2021-04-29|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=boeing: Boeing announces Super Hornet demonstrated compatibility with Indian carriers - The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/boeing-announces-super-hornet-demonstrated-compatibility-with-indian-carriers/amp_articleshow/79836191.cms|access-date=2021-04-29|website=The Economic Times}}</ref> In mid 2020, the Navy announced that it was seeking 36 fighters instead of the initial 57 proposed due to budgetary constraints.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian Navy wants to join IAF in fighter jet shopping|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-looking-to-combine-fighter-procurement-with-iaf-tender-for-114-jets/article33264017.ece|work=THE HINDU|date=6 December 2020}}</ref>

After the HAL Tejas and the [[HAL Tejas Mk2|Tejas Mk2]] were considered overweight for carrier operations, the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation|Defence Research and Development Organization]] introduced a program to develop a  [[Twinjet|twin-engine]], [[Carrier-based aircraft|carrier based]], [[multirole combat aircraft]] called the [[HAL TEDBF|HAL Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF)]] for the Indian Navy. A model of the aircraft was displayed at [[Aero India]] 2021. The first flight is expected in 2026 with induction into the forces by 2032. The TEDBF is expected to perform multiple roles like [[combat air patrol]], [[Dogfight|air-to-air combat]], [[Anti-surface warfare|anti-ship strike]] and [[Aerial refueling|buddy refueling]].<ref name=":2">{{cite web|last=Sutton|first=H. I.|date=2021-03-17|title=India's New Aircraft Carrier, Vikrant, May Get 5th-Generation Fighter|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/03/indias-new-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-may-get-5th-generation-fighter/|access-date=2021-06-10|website=NAVAL NEWS|language=en-US}}</ref> This aircraft has also been envisioned to operate from the INS ''Vikrant'', INS ''Vikramaditya'' and the future aircraft carrier [[INS Vishal|INS ''Vishal'']].

''Vikrant'' is the first aircraft carrier to be designed by the Directorate of Naval Design of the Indian Navy and the first warship to be built by Cochin Shipyard. Its construction involved participation of a large number of private and public firms.

The [[Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory]] (DMRL) and [[Steel Authority of India Limited]] (SAIL) created facilities to manufacture the DMR 249 grade steel in India.<ref name="hindu-float" /><ref name="business-standard-keel">{{cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ins-vikrant-s-first-victory-being-built-from-indian-steel-113080701287_1.html |title=INS Vikrant's first victory: Being built from Indian steel |last=Shukla |first=Ajai |work=The Business Standard |date=29 August 2013 |access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> Reportedly, 26,000 tonnes of three types of special steel for the hull, flight deck and floor compartments were manufactured at the [[Bokaro Steel Plant]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Bhilai Steel Plant]], [[Chhattisgarh]] and [[Rourkela Steel Plant]], [[Odisha]]. Due to this, ''Vikrant'' is the first ship of the Indian Navy to be built completely using domestically produced steel.<ref>{{cite news |title=INS Vikrant's first victory: being built from Indian steel |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ins-vikrant-s-first-victory-being-built-from-indian-steel-113080701287_1.html |last=Shukla |first=Ajai |access-date=18 May 2015 |newspaper=Business Standard|date=7 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811162648/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ins-vikrant-s-first-victory-being-built-from-indian-steel-113080701287_1.html |archive-date=11 August 2013}}</ref> The main switch board, steering gear and water tight hatches have been manufactured by [[Larsen & Toubro]] in [[Mumbai]] and [[Talegaon Dabhade|Talegaon]]; high-capacity [[air conditioning]] and [[refrigeration]] systems have been manufactured in [[Kirloskar Group]]'s plants in [[Pune]]; most pumps have been supplied by Best and Crompton; [[Bharat Heavy Electricals]] (BHEL) supplied the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), which is being installed by [[Avio]], an [[Italy|Italian]] company; the gear box was supplied by [[Elecon Engineering]]; and the electrical cables are being supplied by Nicco Industries.<ref name="idr12aug13">{{cite news |title='Vikrant' Reborn in Indigenous Avtar |url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/vikrant-reborn-in-indigenous-avtar/ |access-date=18 May 2015 |newspaper=Indian Defence Review |date=12 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226025811/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/vikrant-reborn-in-indigenous-avtar/ |archive-date=26 February 2014}}</ref> [[Fincantieri]] provided consultancy for the propulsion package while Russia's Nevskoye Design Bureau designed the aviation complex.<ref>{{cite news |title=In the heart of the iron beast, INS Vikrant |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/in-the-heart-of-the-iron-beast/article18440534.ece |access-date=30 September 2017 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=13 May 2017 }}</ref>

The [[keel]] for ''Vikrant'' was laid by Defence Minister [[A. K. Antony|A.K. Antony]] at the Cochin Shipyard on 28 February 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Govt overhauls coastal security; gives overall charge to Navy|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-govt-overhauls-coastal-security-gives-overall-charge-to-navy-1235004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410173245/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-govt-overhauls-coastal-security-gives-overall-charge-to-navy-1235004|archive-date=10 April 2016|access-date=7 April 2016|publisher=dnaindia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20090085124 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908225312/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20090085124 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 September 2012 |title=India overhauls coastal security, Navy gets charge |publisher=NDTV.com |date=28 February 2009 |access-date=1 February 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.rian.ru/world/20090226/120325539.html |title=India to lay keel of new aircraft carrier on Saturday {{pipe}} World {{pipe}} RIA Novosti |publisher=En.rian.ru |date=26 February 2009 |access-date=1 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605175227/http://en.rian.ru/world/20090226/120325539.html |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> The ship uses modular construction, with 874 blocks joined for the [[Hull (watercraft)|hull]]. By the time the keel was laid, 423 blocks weighing over 8,000 tons had been completed.<ref name="Herald_Elite_club">{{cite news |title=India joins elite warships club |url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Mar12009/scroll20090301121399.asp |access-date=18 May 2015 |newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]] |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Farchive.deccanherald.com%2FContent%2FMar12009%2Fscroll20090301121399.asp&date=2012-07-15 |archive-date=15 July 2012 |date=1 March 2009 |last=Ray |first=Kaylan |url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2011, the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Defence Ministry]] reported to the [[Lok Sabha]] that 75% of the construction work for the hull of the lead carrier had been completed and the carrier would be first launched in December 2011, following which further works would be completed until commissioning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/indigenous-aircraft-carrier-launch-this-dec_723865.html |title=Indigenous aircraft carrier launch this Dec |work=Zeenews |date=2 August 2011 |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609184600/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/indigenous-aircraft-carrier-launch-this-dec_723865.html |archive-date=9 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-completed-by-dec-govt/773900.html |title=First indigenous aircraft carrier to be completed by Dec: Govt |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=2 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107013318/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-completed-by-dec-govt/773900.html |archive-date=7 November 2012 }}</ref> On 29 December 2011, the completed hull of the carrier was first floated out of its dry dock at CSL, with its displacement at over 14,000 tonnes.<ref name="bs-gears" /> Interior works and fittings on the hull would be carried out until the second half of 2012, when it would again be dry-docked for integration with its propulsion and power generation systems.<ref name="DN449">{{cite web |url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/449/india-floats-out-its-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-from-cochin.html |title=India Floats out Its First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier |publisher=DefenceNow.com |date=2 January 2012 |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213103829/http://www.defencenow.com/news/449/india-floats-out-its-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-from-cochin.html |archive-date=13 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="hindu-float" /> By late 2012, work commenced for the next stage of construction, which included the installation of the integrated propulsion system, the [[superstructure]], the upper decks, the cabling, sensors and [[weapon]]s.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rajat |last=Pandit |date=16 August 2014 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Modi-inducts-Indias-largest-indigenously-built-warship-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/40313665.cms |title=PM Modi inducts India's largest indigenously built warship INS Kolkata |work=The Times of India |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002101358/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Modi-inducts-Indias-largest-indigenously-built-warship-INS-Kolkata/articleshow/40313665.cms |archive-date=2 October 2015}}</ref>

In July 2013, Defence Minister Antony announced that ''Vikrant'' would be launched on 12 August at the Cochin Shipyard. The ship was launched by his wife, Elizabeth Antony, on 12 August 2013.<ref name="NationalPost2013-08-12">{{cite news | url= http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/08/12/india-launches-first-aircraft-carrier-and-powers-up-nuclear-sub-a-shot-across-the-bow-to-china-for-pacific-dominance/ | title= India launches home-built, 37,500-tonne aircraft carrier in a shot across the bow to China | work= [[National Post]] | date= 12 August 2013 | access-date= 18 May 2015 | agency= Associated Press | archive-date= 14 August 2013 | archive-url= https://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.nationalpost.com%2F2013%2F08%2F12%2Findia-launches-first-aircraft-carrier-and-powers-up-nuclear-sub-a-shot-across-the-bow-to-china-for-pacific-dominance%2F&date=2013-08-14 | url-status= dead | quote= The 37,500 tonne INS Vikrant is expected to go for extensive trials in 2016 before being inducted into the navy by 2017, reports say.  With this, India joins the select group of countries comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and France capable of building such a vessel.}}</ref>

According to Admiral [[Robin K. Dhowan|Robin Dhowan]], about 83% of the fabrication work and 75% of the construction work had been completed at the time of launching. He said that 90% of the body work of the aircraft carrier had been designed and made in India, about 50% of the propulsion system, and about 30% of its weaponry. He also said that the ship would be equipped with a long range missile system with multi-function radar and a [[close-in weapon system]] (CIWS).<ref name="NDTVLaunch">{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/ins-vikrant-first-indian-made-aircraft-carrier-enters-water-next-week-402556|title=INS Vikrant, first Indian-made aircraft carrier, enters water next week|last=Sen|first=Sudhi Ranjan|date=11 August 2013|work=NDTV|access-date=18 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214202405/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/ins-vikrant-first-indian-made-aircraft-carrier-enters-water-next-week-402556|archive-date=14 December 2013}}</ref> After the launch, ''Vikrant'' would be re-docked for the second phase of construction, in which the ship would be fitted with various weapons and sensors, and the propulsion system, flight deck and the aircraft complex would be integrated.<ref name="idr12aug13" />

''Vikrant'' was undocked on 10 June 2015 after the completion of structural work. Cabling, piping, heat and ventilation works were scheduled to be completed by 2017 with sea trials to begin thereafter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ins-vikrant-undocked/article7301993.ece |title=Cochin Shipyard undocks INS Vikrant |last=Anandan |first=S. |work=The Hindu |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=12 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717115715/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ins-vikrant-undocked/article7301993.ece |archive-date=17 July 2015}}</ref> By October 2015, the construction of the hull was close to 98 percent complete, with flight deck construction underway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Aircraft-carrier-INS-Vikrant-will-be-delivered-to-Navy-on-time-Cochin-Shipyard-chief/articleshow/49392647.cms |title=Aircraft carrier INS Vikrant will be delivered to Navy on time: Cochin Shipyard chief |last=Gupta |first=Jayanta |work=The Times of India|date=15 October 2015 |access-date=18 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018021433/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Aircraft-carrier-INS-Vikrant-will-be-delivered-to-Navy-on-time-Cochin-Shipyard-chief/articleshow/49392647.cms |archive-date=18 October 2015}}</ref> The installation of machinery, piping and the propeller shafts was in progress by January 2016; it was reported, however, that there were delays in the delivery of equipment from Russia for the carrier's aviation complex.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/navy-chief-reviews-vikrant-project/article8115862.ece|title=Navy chief reviews Vikrant project|work=The Hindu|date=17 January 2016|access-date=30 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117014638/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/navy-chief-reviews-vikrant-project/article8115862.ece|archive-date=17 January 2016}}</ref> By May 2017, the carrier's fitting-out was 62% complete, with trials of the auxiliary systems scheduled by late 2017.<ref name=iron_beast>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/in-the-heart-of-the-iron-beast/article18440534.ece |title=In the heart of the iron beast |last=Anandan |first=S. |work=The Hindu |date=13 May 2017 |access-date=13 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828014829/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/in-the-heart-of-the-iron-beast/article18440534.ece |archive-date=28 August 2017}}</ref>

In February 2020, all major structural and outfitting work was declared complete.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gurung|first=Shaurya Karanbir|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/structural-and-outfitting-work-of-indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-complete/articleshow/74070075.cms|title=Structural and outfitting work of India's first indigenous aircraft carrier complete|date=2020-02-10|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-02-12}}</ref>

On 31 October 2019, Cochin Shipyard received a {{INRConvert|3000|c|lk=|year=2019}} contract for the Phase-III of the project.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/cochin-shipyard-hits-52-week-high-after-bagging-rs-3000-crore-contract-4593411.html|title=Cochin Shipyard hits 52-week high after bagging Rs 3,000-crore contract|date=1 November 2019|website=[[Moneycontrol]]|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref> This contract included funds for the harbour trials, sea trials and support for the ship during its weapons and aviation trials after its delivery.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/cochin-shipyard-bags-rs-3-000-crore-contract-for-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-119110100290_1.html|title=Cochin Shipyard bags Rs 3,000 crore contract for aircraft carrier Vikrant|last=Narasimhan|first=T. E.|date=2019-11-01|work=[[Business Standard India]]|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref> In December 2019, it was reported the engines had been switched on.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/engines-fired-up-basin-trials-next-for-indigenous-aircraft-carrier/articleshow/72324320.cms|title=Engines fired up, basin trials next for Indigenous Aircraft Carrier|last=Pubby|first=Manu|date=2019-12-02|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-12-02}}</ref> By September 2020, ''Vikrant'' had completed harbour trials while the basin trials started from October 2020 to check propulsion, electric transmission and shafting systems.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 'ready' for basin trials in September|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/aug/21/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ready-for-basin-trials-in-september-2186478.html|access-date=2020-08-23|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> On 30 November 2020, the basin trials were completed, paving the way for sea trials, the final phase of the IAC-I project.<ref name="PROKochi20">{{cite tweet|user=DefencePROkochi |number=1333423115913728003|date=2020-11-30 |title=Tweet from Public Relations Ministry of Defence}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=30 November 2020|title=Major Milestone Achieved by IAC - Basin Trials Successful|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/major-milestone-achieved-iac-basin-trials-successful|access-date=2 December 2020|website=Indian Navy}}</ref>  

In April 2021, it was reported work had begun to integrate [[Barak 8|the long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM)]] onboard ''Vikrant.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2021/april/9973-lrsam-system-to-equip-the-future-indian-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant.html|access-date=2021-04-13|website=www.navyrecognition.com|title=LRSAM system to equip the future Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eletimes.com/ins-vikrant-to-get-lrsam-cover-soon|access-date=2021-04-10|website=www.eletimes.com|title=INS Vikrant to get LRSAM Cover Soon|date=9 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-10|title=INS Vikrant to get LRSAM Cover Soon|url=https://www.defenceaviationpost.com/2021/04/ins-vikrant-to-get-lrsam-cover-soon/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Defence News India|language=en-GB}}</ref> On 15 June 2021, ''Vikrant'' was moved to the Ernakulam Wharf in [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Outlook India Photo Gallery - Jun 15, 2021|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/photos/dayin/6/15/2021?photo-271573|access-date=2021-06-18|website=www.outlookindia.com/}}</ref> On 4 August 2021, sea trials finally began.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite web|title=India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, to be named INS Vikrant, finally begins sea trials|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-named-ins-vikrant-finally-begins-sea-trials/articleshow/85031100.cms|access-date=2021-08-04|website=Times of India}}</ref> The first phase of the sea trials was successfully completed on 8 August 2021.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.rediff.com/news/report/pix-vikrant-successfully-completes-5-day-maiden-sea-voyage/20210808.htm| title = Vikrant successfully completes 5-day maiden sea voyage - Rediff.com}}</ref> The second phase of the trials was conducted on 24 October 2021,<ref>{{Cite news|title=India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant begins second phase of sea trials|newspaper=The Hindu |date=24 October 2021 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-begins-second-phase-of-sea-trials/article37150139.ece|access-date=2021-10-24}}</ref> followed by the third phase from 9–17 January 2022,<ref>{{Cite web|title=India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant begins another set of sea trials|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-begins-another-set-of-sea-trials/847808|access-date=2022-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-heads-out-for-next-round-of-sea-trials/article38203234.ece|title=Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant heads out for next round of sea trials|date=9 January 2022|website=The Hindu|access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-s-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-1897963-2022-01-09|title=India's first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant enters third phase of trials Top Points|date=9 January 2022|website= India Today|access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref> both of which were completed successfully.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/explainers/explained-why-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-puts-india-in-select-group-of-nations-4667084.html|title=EXPLAINED: Why Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant Puts India In Select Group Of Nations|website=News18|date=17 January 2022|access-date=18 January 2022}}</ref> On 10 July, the fourth and final phase of the sea trials was successfully completed. This phase involved integrated trials of most of the equipment and systems aboard ''Vikrant'', including portions of the Aviation Facilities Complex.<ref name="final_trials">{{cite web|title=Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant: Completion of Fourth Phase of Sea Trials|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1840608|website=Press Information Bureau of India|date=10 July 2022|access-date=13 July 2022}}</ref>

[[File:IAC-1 Vikrant going for its maiden sea trials.jpg|thumb|A [[Westland Sea King|Sea King]] approaches ''Vikrant'' while on sea trials]]

[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi commissions the first indigenous aircraft carrier as INS Vikrant, in Kochi, Kerela on September 02, 2022 (2).jpg|thumb|Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] commissioned INS Vikrant on September 2, 2022 in [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]].]]  

Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] commissioned INS Vikrant on September 2, 2022 in a grand ceremony at [[Cochin Shipyard]].<ref name="PTICommission"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ins-vikrant-indias-first-home-built-aircraft-carrier-commissioned-by-pm-narendra-modi-3308900|title=INS Vikrant, 1st India-Made Aircraft Carrier, Commissioned By PM |website=NDTV.com|access-date=2 September 2022}}</ref> Earlier, INS ''Vikrant'' was delivered to the Indian Navy on 28 July 2022.<ref name="delivery_IAC">{{cite web|title=Delivery of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) 'Vikrant'|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1845871|website=Press Information Bureau of India|date=28 July 2022|access-date=28 August 2022}}</ref> Flight trials of its aircraft complement are expected to be completed by mid-2023, after which the ship will be fully operational.<ref name=":1" /> In March 2020, it was revealed that after its commissioning, the Navy will deploy ''Vikrant'' at Larsen & Toubro's [[shipyard]] in [[Kattupalli]] near [[Chennai]]. This was done as the planned [[naval base]] in [[Rambilli]] near [[Vishakhapatnam]] was not ready yet. The Navy wants to lease a 260 m berth at [[Kattupalli Shipyard|Kattupalli shipyard]] for 8 years between 2022 and 2030 for interim berthing of the ship, by which time the [[INS Varsha|naval base at Rambilli]] is expected to be available.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-navy-to-berth-new-aircraft-carrier-at-private-shipyard-11584281200203.html|title=Indian Navy to berth new aircraft carrier at private shipyard}}</ref>

|[[Captain (Indian Navy)|Captain]] Vidhyadhar Harke, VSM

|First CO of ''Vikrant''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/vikrant-first-made-in-india-aircraft-carrier-not-a-liability-navy-2510905|title=Vikrant, First Made-In-India Aircraft Carrier, Not A Liability: Navy|last=Som|first=Vishnu|date=2021-08-15|website=www.ndtv.com|language=en-IN}}</ref>

The IAC project has experienced numerous delays. The construction plan originally called for the carrier to be launched in 2010, when it would displace some 20,000 tonnes, as a larger displacement could not be accommodated in the building bay. It was planned that after about a year's development in the refit dock, the carrier would be launched when all the major components, including underwater systems, would be in place. Outfitting would then be carried out after launch. ''Vikrant'' was intended to be delivered in December 2010<ref name="Cag2016">{{cite web |title=CHAPTER II: PERFORMANCE AUDIT ON CONSTRUCTION OF INDIGENOUS AIRCRAFT CARRIER - page 39|url=https://cag.gov.in/sites/default/files/audit_report_files/Chapter%202%20%20Performance%20Audit%20on%20Construction%20of%20Indigenous%20Aircraft%20Carrier.pdf |website=Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India |publisher=Government of India |access-date=17 January 2020}}</ref> and commissioned in 2016. As per the [[Cabinet Committee on Security]] (CCS), sea trials were initially planned to commence in 2013, with the ship to be commissioned in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|first=Sandeep |last=Unnithan |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29613&sectionid=4&issueid=93&Itemid=1 |title=Keel laying of indigenous aircraft carrier next week |work=Indiatoday |date=18 February 2009 |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727031555/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29613&sectionid=4&issueid=93&Itemid=1 |archive-date=27 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_indigenous-aircraft-carrier-s-nucleus-ready_1448720 |title=Indigenous Aircraft Carrier's nucleus ready |last=Sharma |first=Suman |work=Dnaindia.com |date=7 October 2010 |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210144906/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_indigenous-aircraft-carrier-s-nucleus-ready_1448720 |archive-date=10 February 2011}}</ref> This was later postponed, with sea trials to begin in 2017 and commissioning planned for 2018.<ref name=dip2020>{{cite magazine |title=India's First Homegrown Aircraft Carrier to Begin Sea Trials in 2020 |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/12/indias-first-homegrown-aircraft-carrier-to-begin-sea-trials-in-2020/|magazine=The Diplomat |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> In March 2011, it was reported that the project had been affected by the delay in the delivery of the main gearboxes for the carrier. The supplier, Elecon, attributed it to having to work around a number of technical complexities due to the length of the propulsion shafts.<ref name="hindu-schedule">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article1530996.ece |title=Indigenous aircraft carrier a year behind schedule |last=Anandan |first=S. |work=The Hindu |date=12 March 2011 |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214055340/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article1530996.ece |archive-date=14 December 2013}}</ref> Other issues resulting in delays included an accident with a [[diesel generator]] and an issue with its alignment.<ref name="hindu-arihant">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2681534.ece |title=INS Arihant on track |work=The Hindu |last=Prasad |first=K.V. |date=3 December 2011 |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214055336/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2681534.ece |archive-date=14 December 2013}}</ref> In July 2012, ''[[The Times of India]]'' reported that construction of ''Vikrant'' has been delayed by three years, and the ship would be ready for commissioning by 2018.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-inducted-in-2018/articleshow/56023951.cms|title=India's first indigenous aircraft carrier to be inducted in 2018 - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-12-17|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217164048/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-inducted-in-2018/articleshow/56023951.cms|archive-date=17 December 2016}}</ref> Later, in November 2012, Indian English-language news channel ''[[NDTV]]'' reported that cost of the aircraft carrier had increased and the delivery has been delayed by at least five years and is expected to be with the Indian Navy only after 2018 as against the scheduled date of delivery of 2014.<ref name="Ndtv">{{cite news |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indian-aircraft-carrier-more-costly-already-delayed-294997 |title=Indian aircraft carrier: More costly, already delayed |work=Ndtv.com |date=20 November 2012 |last=Sen |first=Sudhi Ranjan |access-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709004118/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indian-aircraft-carrier-more-costly-already-delayed-294997 |archive-date=9 July 2014}}</ref>

In July 2016, the [[Comptroller and Auditor General of India|Comptroller & Auditor General]] (CAG) published a 2014 project plan, supplied by the Cochin Shipyard, that showed an expected completion date in 2023,<ref name="Cag2016" /> though the Navy hoped to partially commission the ship before this date.<ref name="TOI-2023">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-without-aircraft-carrier-for-8-months/articleshow/53407213.cms|title=India without aircraft carrier for 8 months|last1=Pandit|first1=Rajat|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204174147/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-without-aircraft-carrier-for-8-months/articleshow/53407213.cms|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live|access-date=17 November 2016}}</ref> In December 2017, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral [[Sunil Lanba]] announced that the ship was expected to commence sea trials and be commissioned in 2020.<ref name="dip2020" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/14-chinese-navy-ships-spotted-in-indian-ocean-indian-navy-monitoring-locations/articleshow/61882634.cms|title=14 Chinese navy ships spotted in Indian Ocean, Indian Navy monitoring locations|last=Gurung|first=Shaurya Karanbir|date=2017-12-01|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2017-12-02}}</ref> In January 2018, [[Commodore (India)|Commodore]] J Chowdhary, the principal director of naval design, announced the remaining procurement delays stalling ''Vikrant''{{'}}s construction had been resolved, and that the carrier would be completed and delivered by December 2018; it would then undergo two years of sea trials before its then-expected commissioning in October 2020.<ref name=confident_commission>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-confident-of-commissioning-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-in-two-years/article22474986.ece |title=Navy confident of commissioning aircraft carrier Vikrant in two years  |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |work=The Hindu |date=19 January 2018 |access-date=4 February 2018}}</ref>