INS Vikrant (2013): Difference between revisions

{{Use Indian English|date=November 2022}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}

*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 2022}}</ref><ref name="YouTube_6CXLp926P20">{{YouTube |6CXLp926P20 |Navy to go for VISHAL {{!}} Vikrant's Lift 10x14m}}</ref>

'''[[Indian Navy|INS]] ''Vikrant''''' ({{IPA-hi|vikrɑːnt̪|pron}})<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|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330140422/https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/indias-first-homegrown-aircraft-carrier-to-enter-sea-trials-in-early-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref> is an [[aircraft carrier]] constructed by the [[Cochin Shipyard Limited|Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)]] at [[Kerala]] 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 aircraft carrier, [[INS Vikrant (1961)|INS ''Vikrant'' (1961)]]. 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 2022}}</ref> The motto of the ship, "जयेम सं युधिस्पृधः", 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 |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530034419/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-to-buy-26-fighters-for-ins-vikrant-on-g-2-g-basis-101653881468920.html |url-status=live }}</ref> fighter jets along with 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 |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904050721/https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2022/05/16/india-halts-ka-31-helicopter-deal-with-russia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> helicopters or 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 2022}}</ref> utility helicopters or 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 |archive-date=29 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529081540/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-receives-first-two-mh-60r-helicopters-from-us-1829217-2021-07-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> multi-role helicopters<ref name="msn" /> will fly from INS ''Vikrant''. At a {{convert|262|m|adj=on}} length, with a top speed of {{convert|28|kn}}, and endurance of {{convert|7500|nmi}}, the ship has 2,300 compartments manned by 1700 seamen. It has a hospital complex, cabins for female officers, two football field-sized flight decks, {{convert|8|km|spell=in}} 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>

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 {{convert|32000|t|adj=on}} [[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 2022}}</ref> The aircraft carrier project finally received formal government approval in January 2003. By then, design updates called for a {{convert|37500|t|adj=on}} 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 2022}}</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 45,000 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 2022}}</ref>

The indigenous aircraft carrier INS ''Vikrant'' is {{convert|262|m|ft}} long and {{convert|62|m|ft}} wide, and displaces about {{convert|45000|t|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|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120225015/https://thediplomat.com/2020/10/an-update-on-indias-aircraft-carrier-aspirations/|url-status=live}}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</ref> primarily the MiG-29K, besides carrying 10 [[HAL Dhruv]] or [[Sikorskey MH 60R Romeo]] 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 |archive-date=4 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204153135/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/keellaying-of-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-in-december/article1348007.ece |url-status=live }}</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 2022}}</ref>

''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 2022}}</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 |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904050719/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/elecon-to-supply-gears-for-india-s-first-aircraft-carrier-111122600005_1.html |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=30 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830002907/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/India-starts-work-on-second-indigenous-aircraft-carrier/articleshow/15004643.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

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 [[Mikoyan MiG-29K|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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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|archive-date=6 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106190746/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/demonstration-of-rafale-fighter-begins-for-navy-at-goa-f/a-18-next-in-march/articleshow/88740199.cms|url-status=live}}</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|archive-date=6 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106080902/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-set-to-conduct-trials-of-rafale-fighter-s-naval-version-101640980226180.html|url-status=live}}</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|archive-date=6 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106080900/https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/01/rafale-m-to-begin-ski-jump-take-off-trials-for-indian-navy/|url-status=live}}</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|archive-date=6 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106082403/https://www.naval-technology.com/news/indian-navy-tests-rafale-m-fighter/|url-status=live}}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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|archive-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206214443/http://zeenews.india.com/india/iac-1-to-be-inducted-into-indian-navy-in-2020-2160887.html|url-status=live}}</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|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227034340/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iac-1-to-be-inducted-into-indian-navy-in-2020/articleshow/66922950.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>  

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 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305071316/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ins-vikrant-s-first-victory-being-built-from-indian-steel-113080701287_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Reportedly, {{convert|26000|t}} 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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 |archive-date=28 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828014829/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/in-the-heart-of-the-iron-beast/article18440534.ece |url-status=live }}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 {{convert|14000|t}}.<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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</ref>

On 31 October 2019, Cochin Shipyard received a {{INRConvert|30|b|year=2022}} 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|archive-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101140707/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/cochin-shipyard-hits-52-week-high-after-bagging-rs-3000-crore-contract-4593411.html|url-status=live}}</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|archive-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101104634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/cochin-shipyard-bags-rs-3-000-crore-contract-for-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-119110100290_1.html|url-status=live}}</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|archive-date=12 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212051636/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/engines-fired-up-basin-trials-next-for-indigenous-aircraft-carrier/articleshow/72324320.cms|url-status=live}}</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|archive-date=24 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824030443/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/aug/21/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ready-for-basin-trials-in-september-2186478.html|url-status=live}}</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|archive-date=14 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314225911/https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/major-milestone-achieved-iac-basin-trials-successful|url-status=live}}</ref>  

The IAC project experienced numerous delays. The construction plan originally called for the carrier to be launched in 2010, when it would displace some {{convert|20000|t}}, 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 |archive-date=28 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728130644/http://www.cag.gov.in/sites/default/files/audit_report_files/Chapter%202%20%20Performance%20Audit%20on%20Construction%20of%20Indigenous%20Aircraft%20Carrier.pdf |url-status=live }}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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 |archive-date=5 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205000426/https://thediplomat.com/2018/12/indias-first-homegrown-aircraft-carrier-to-begin-sea-trials-in-2020/ |url-status=live }}</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 2022}}</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 2022}}</ref> In July 2012, ''[[The Times of India]]'' reported that construction of ''Vikrant'' had 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 2022}}</ref> Later, in November 2012, Indian English-language news channel ''[[NDTV]]'' reported that the 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 2022}}</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 2022}}</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|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202155919/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/14-chinese-navy-ships-spotted-in-indian-ocean-indian-navy-monitoring-locations/articleshow/61882634.cms|url-status=live}}</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 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611204704/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-confident-of-commissioning-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-in-two-years/article22474986.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the December 2019 [[Navy Day (India)|Navy Day]] press briefing, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral [[Karambir Singh]] said ''Vikrant'' would be fully operational before the end of 2022.<ref name="delivery_delayed"/> A part of the blame for the delay in delivery of ''Vikrant'' was attributed to the delay in the supply of aviation equipment from Russia. In response to a question in the [[Rajya Sabha]], [[Shripad Naik|Sripad Naik]], the [[Minister of Defence (India)|Minister of State for Defence]], stated: "Ship's targeted delivery was affected due to delay in supply of aviation equipment from Russia".<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.defencestar.in/military/indian-navy-news/defence-news-india-updates-delay-in-supply-of-equipment-from-russia-affected-delivery-of-indias-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant/amp |title = Delay in supply of equipment from Russia affected delivery of India's aircraft carrier|newspaper = Defence Star|date = 14 February 2022}}</ref> The Navy expected to commission ''Vikrant'' by the end of 2021,<ref name=":0" /> with an April 2021 report by the ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' claiming ''Vikrant'', along with the [[Stealth ship|stealth]] [[Guided-missile destroyer|guided missile destroyer]] {{INS|Visakhapatnam||6}}, would be delivered to the Indian Navy by the end of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/april/10068-indian-navy-to-get-ins-vikrant-and-ins-visakhapatnam-by-end-of-2021.html|access-date=2021-04-29|website=www.navyrecognition.com|title=Indian Navy to get INS Vikrant and INS Visakhapatnam by end of 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429051933/https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/april/10068-indian-navy-to-get-ins-vikrant-and-ins-visakhapatnam-by-end-of-2021.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-27|title=Navy to get aircraft carrier Vikrant, missile destroyer Visakhapatnam in 2021|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navy-to-get-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-missile-destroyer-visakhapatnam-in-2021-101619498533809.html|access-date=2021-04-29|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429165115/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navy-to-get-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-missile-destroyer-visakhapatnam-in-2021-101619498533809.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Other construction and procurement delays initially delayed the warship's sea trials to April 2020 from their originally scheduled date of 12 March 2020. Due to the [[Covid-19 pandemic in India|Covid-19 pandemic]], trials were further postponed to late 2020,<ref name="delivery_delayed">{{Cite web|date=25 May 2020|title=Delivery date of Indian Navy Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant once again delayed|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/may-2020/8477-delivery-date-of-indian-navy-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-once-again-delayed.html|access-date=2020-08-24|website=Navy Recognition|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704093448/https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/may-2020/8477-delivery-date-of-indian-navy-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-once-again-delayed.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but ultimately began in August 2021. The carrier was commissioned on 2 September 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/09/02/asia/india-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-commissioned-intl-hnk-ml/index.html?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16621330204142&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2022%2F09%2F02%2Fasia%2Findia-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-commissioned-intl-hnk-ml%2Findex.html |title=INS Vikrant: India's first homegrown aircraft carrier puts it among world's naval elites - CNN |access-date=2 September 2022 |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904050715/https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/09/02/asia/india-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-commissioned-intl-hnk-ml/index.html?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16621330204142&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2022%2F09%2F02%2Fasia%2Findia-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-commissioned-intl-hnk-ml%2Findex.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ins-vikrant-in-numbers-2-football-fields-18-floors-16-bed-hospital-3308664/amp/1?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16621330204142&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ndtv.com%2Findia-news%2Fins-vikrant-in-numbers-2-football-fields-18-floors-16-bed-hospital-3308664 |title=INS Vikrant, "City on the Move": 18 Floors, 1,600 Crew, 16-Bed Hospital |access-date=2 September 2022 |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904050720/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ins-vikrant-in-numbers-2-football-fields-18-floors-16-bed-hospital-3308664#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16621330204142&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ndtv.com%2Findia-news%2Fins-vikrant-in-numbers-2-football-fields-18-floors-16-bed-hospital-3308664 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-01 |title=Inside India's newly-commissioned aircraft carrier |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-62749345 |access-date=2022-09-02 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903074155/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-62749345 |url-status=live }}</ref>