INS Vikramaditya, Background, Features, Exercises and Operations

Aircraft Carriers are powerful naval platforms that act as mobile airbases at sea that enable long range operations and maritime dominance. INS Vikramaditya is the largest warship of India. It represents this capability with advanced aviation systems, heavy aircraft capacity and strategic reach which significantly strengthens India’s Blue Water Naval Operations and power projection across the Indian Ocean region.

INS Vikramaditya Background

INS Vikramaditya is a Modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier. It has evolved from a Soviet era warship into a modern Indian aircraft carrier through extensive refitting and strategic cooperation.

• Origin: Originally commissioned in 1987 as Baku in the Soviet Navy, it was later renamed Admiral Gorshkov after the USSR’s dissolution and served until 1995.
• Contract and Cost: In 2004, India signed a $1.5 billion agreement for refurbishment and purchase of 16 MiG-29K fighters, later rising to approximately $2.3 billion due to delays.
• Modernisation: The ship underwent conversion into a STOBAR aircraft carrier.
• Commissioning Ceremony: It was officially commissioned on 16 November 2013 at Sevmash Shipyard, Russia.
• Induction into Navy: The carrier joined Indian Naval Service in 2014.

INS Vikramaditya Features

INS Vikramaditya combines massive size, advanced aviation systems and high endurance, making it India’s most powerful naval asset. The key highlighting features of INS Vikramaditya include:

• Location: INS Vikramaditya is based at Karwar naval base (INS Kadamba).
• Deployment: It operates mainly in the Arabian Sea and wider Indian Ocean region for strategic missions.
• Structure: The ship measures about 284-285 metres in length and 60 metres in width, with a towering height of nearly 20 storeys and 22-23 decks. It is the largest and heaviest warship in the Indian Navy.
• Crew Capacity: It accommodates over 1,600 personnel, functioning as a ‘floating city’ with extensive onboard logistics and facilities.
• Aircraft Carrying Capability: The carrier can host more than 30 aircraft including MiG-29K fighters and helicopters like Kamov-31, Kamov-28, Sea King, ALH-Dhruv and Chetak.
• Operational Range: The ship can travel over 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km).
• Radar and Surveillance Systems: Equipped with long range surveillance radars and advanced communication systems.
• Defensive Armament: Weapon systems like AK-630 and missile defence systems enhance protection against aerial and surface threats.

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INS Vikramaditya Services

INS Vikramaditya plays a central role in India’s naval exercises and operational deployments, enhancing maritime security and strategic influence.

• Carrier Battle Group Deployment: It operates as the core of a Carrier Battle Group, supported by destroyers, submarines and surveillance aircraft for integrated combat operations.
• Air Defence Capability: With onboard fighters and AEW helicopters like Kamov-31, it creates a protective air defence bubble of around 300 nautical miles.
• Multi Carrier Operations: It has participated alongside INS Vikrant in dual carrier operations, demonstrating India’s advanced maritime coordination and power projection.
• Arabian Sea Deployment: Large scale exercises showcased deployment of over 35 aircraft, highlighting operational readiness and coordinated naval strength.
• Malabar Exercise: During Malabar exercises, it conducted joint operations with navies of the USA, Japan and Australia, including cross deck flying and air defence drills.
• MILAN Exercise Contribution: In MILAN 2024, it participated with over 50 nations, showcasing India’s naval diplomacy and multinational operational capability.
• Humanitarian Operations: Apart from combat roles, it is capable of disaster relief operations, carrying medical facilities and supplies for emergency response.
• Strategic Mobility: As a mobile airbase, it can be deployed anywhere in the ocean, enabling rapid response to emerging threats and ensuring maritime dominance.
• Training and Integration: Russian experts initially assisted Indian crew, ensuring smooth operational transition and skill development for advanced naval aviation.
• Power Projection Role: It significantly enhances India’s ability to project power, maintain sea control and secure national interests in the Indian Ocean region.