INS Vikramaditya: Know About Largest Ship of India

It is believed that a country's power lies in its military capabilities. A country's military capability also exerts its influence globally. That's where the role of the Indian Navy begins. The primary objective of the Indian Navy is securing maritime borders and enhancing India's relations with foreign countries.

Needless to say, the Indian Navy has made some serious contributions to the development of India. Therefore, it needs to be properly equipped and modernized for the utmost convenience. One of the most remarkable modernizations of the Indian Navy was the replacement of the INS Viraat aircraft carrier with the newest and largest ship, the INS Vikramaditya.

About INS Vikramaditya

INS Vikramaditya is a Kiev-class aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy that hit the water to sail on 10th June 2012 at 1200 hrs. It subsequently came into service in the year 2013. Vikramaditya is a Sanskrit word that means "Brave as the Sun." It was originally built as Baku by Chernomorsky Shipbuilding Enterprise, Nikolayev (presently in Ukraine), in the year 1982. The construction of this ship was a lengthy process, and it took more than 400 enterprises and 2,000 workers to complete it.

Later it was modified and earned the new name ''INS Vikramaditya''. The modification included the renovation of 1750 of the 2500 compartments, installation of new galley equipment for Indian food preparation and improved domestic services, the addition of three arresting gears and two restraining stands, etc. The original boiler of Baku was replaced with a new generation of high-pressure boilers for improved performance, high efficiency, and high automation level.

The expected life span of the INS Vikramaditya is 40 years, and experts say that it is unlikely for it to require any major repair work for at least a decade, as more than 70% of the ship and its equipment has been renovated. It has a length of approx. 284 meters with a maximum beam of 60 meters, which is equal to three football fields placed side by side. The total cost of its overall refurbishment took over $2.33 billion.

Vital Specifications of the INR Vikramaditya

INS Vikramaditya is a STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery or Short Take-Off, Barrier Arrested Recovery) carrier with a displacement of 44,500 tonnes and length OA of 284m. Its maximum beam is 60m and it can reach speeds of more than 30kts. It has four (4) propellers, and the carrier is powered by eight (8) boilers. The aircraft component can accommodate thirty (30) Seeking, MiG29K, Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Chetak, and ALH aircraft. The height of the ship from the keel to the highest point is about 20 storeys. There are 22 decks on the ship. 

The INS Vikramaditya can host up to 1,800 personnel and has enough space to carry rations for nearly two months. Every time it sails, it carries one lakh eggs, 20,000 litres of milk, 16 tonnes of rice, etc. Hence, it is fondly called a ''Floating City.'' The ship can travel for 13,000 km or 7,000 nautical miles at a stretch. It can host several anti-ship missiles, rockets, guided bombs, and beyond visual range air-to-air missiles.

The INS Vikramaditya is a classic symbol of India's maritime might. This extraordinary STOBAR carrier has redefined India's security and has given wings to the Indian Navy.

FAQs About INS Vikramaditya

What is INS Vikramaditya?

The INS Vikramaditya is a Kiev-class aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy that hit the water to sail on 10th June 2012 at 1200 hrs.

What is the lifespan of the INS Vikramaditya?

The expected life span of INS Vikramaditya is 40 years and experts say that it is unlikely for it to require any major repair work for at least a decade as more than 70% of the ship and its equipment has been renovated.

How many personnel can stay on the INS Vikramaditya?

The INS Vikramaditya can host up to 1,800 personnel and has enough space to carry rations for nearly two months.