INS Vikrant - India's first indigenous aircraft carrier

India launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on 12th August, 2013, making an entry into a select club of countries capable of designing and building a carrier of this size and capability.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony's wife Elizabeth Antony launched the 37,500 tonne carrier at Cochin Shipyard close to four-and-a-half years a

fter its keel was laid by the minister. Antony said this was an "important" first step towards a long journey in the area of warship building for the country. Other countries capable of designing and building an equivalent size ship are the US, the UK, Russia and France.

The launch marked the end of the first phase of its construction and now it will be re-docked for outfitting and construction of superstructure. It is set to go for extensive trials in 2016 before being inducted into the Navy by 2018 end, as per its schedule.

INS Vikrant is the second aircraft carrier of the same name. Its predecessor was decommissioned in 1997 after having played a significant role in the 1971 war with Pakistan. India is currently operating one aircraft carrier INS Viraat, which is likely to be decommissioned in 2018-19 after INS Vikrant joins operational service.