India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier will be commissioned next year
What's the story
India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) will be commissioned next year and its combat capability, reach and versatility will add formidable capabilities in the country's defense, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said in Kochi on Friday.
After visiting the IAC at Ernakulam wharf of the Cochin port to review its construction progress, Singh described it as India's pride and a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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Befitting tribute to 75 years of independence: Singh
"The project was originally approved by the NDA government and has made significant progress in recent past despite COVID-19," he said. "Commissioning of the IAC next year will be a befitting tribute to 75 years of India's independence," Singh stated.
Interest
Carrier will help secure India's interests in maritime domain: Singh
"The combat capability, reach and versatility of the aircraft carrier will add formidable capabilities in the defense of our country and help secure India's interests in the maritime domain," the Defense Minister said.
The minister further said that it was a pleasure to review first- hand, the work being done on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier.
Projects
Singh also reviewed Project Seabird at Karwar
Singh, who reviewed Project Seabird at Karwar, which will be the largest naval base of the Indian Navy in the future, and will provide the facilities and infrastructure to support the Navy's operations in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, said the government is fully committed to a strong navy.
He also said that these two projects are examples of our unwavering focus.
IAC
IAC boasts of nearly 75 percent indigenous content: Singh
"Our impetus to modernization, harnessing India's indigenous industry and know-how, is a key priority. Forty-two of the 44 warships on order being built at Indian shipyards is a testimony to this," he said.
He said the IAC boasts of nearly 75 percent indigenous content, from design to steel used in construction, to key weapons and sensors.
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Project 75-I will advance indigenous development of niche manufacturing technologies
"The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has also recently accorded approval for the RFP of Project 75-I under the Strategic Partnership model, which will give further fillip to the indigenous development of niche manufacturing technologies," the minister said.
Indian Navy
Navy is combat-ready to tackle any challenge: Singh
"These measures will help enhance the Indian Navy's operational reach and prowess to protect India's maritime interests," he said.
Singh said the Indian Navy remains poised and combat-ready to tackle any challenge.
"Navy's proactive forward deployment during the Galwan stand-off signaled our intent that we seek peace but are ready for any eventuality," the minister added.
Information
Navy also made significant contributions in the fight against COVID-19
He said the Navy has also made significant contributions in the fight against COVID-19, bringing back Indian citizens from overseas during Op Samudra Setu-I, and much-needed Liquid Medical Oxygen during Samudra Setu-lI, despite dangers of COVID-19 spread on-board warships.