Kochi: Commissioning of INS Vikrant is a celebration for Kerala and Kochi, who are in the midst of Onam celebrations. Every stage of development of this aircraft carrier was a part of Malayali’s life for 17 years. Malayalees dreamed of its commissioning. Therefore, the crowd at the ceremony held at Kochi Shipyard was very exciting.
Navy and shipyard officials, families, students and members of the public arrived on time as scheduled by security officials. People from various centers of the Navy also attended the function. Retired officers from the shipyard and navy along with their family members attended the commissioning ceremony of the first indigenously built aircraft carrier. After the ceremony, many people came to the upper deck of the ship to take pictures and share their experiences during the construction phase.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the flag on the ship’s deck, soldiers in helicopters and fighter jets paid their respects to INS Vikrant. The first to arrive were three Chetak helicopters with the new Navy flag.
The MiG-29K was the first to take off
Kochi: Russian-made MiG-29K fighter jet takes first flight on commissioned INS Vikrant. It is a specially designed aircraft for the Navy.
The Navy will test the aircraft taking off, landing and refueling from the ship. Aircraft are flown at this stage by naval aviator trainers. Searching helicopters and advanced light helicopters had been tested earlier in Vikrant.
Vikrant will be taken to INS Hansa Naval Air Station in Goa for final trials.
The trials will be conducted using fighter jets for a year under the Western Naval Command. The Navy expects the Vikrant to be fully operational by the end of next year.