India unveils domestic aircraft carrier
Iran Press TV
Mon Aug 12, 2013 9:6AM GMT
India has unveiled its first domestically made aircraft carrier to join a select group of countries that are in possession of such gigantic warships.
The country launched the 37,500-ton INS Vikrant from a shipyard in the southern state of Kerala on Monday.
"It is essential that we retain and sharpen established designing capabilities, ship building technology, know-how and human resources to be able to produce quality and state-of-the-art warships in the years to come," India's Defense Minister AK Antony said at the launching ceremony.
He added that the aircraft carrier will help Indian navy to defend itself.
Navy spokesman PV Satish said that INS Vikrant needs extensive trials before being inducted into the Indian navy in 2018.
India joined other states, such as the United States, Russia, France and Britain, capable in building aircraft carriers.
The five-billion-dollar carrier can hold a crew of 1,450, Russian-made Kamov helicopters, MiG 29K fighter jets and light-combat aircraft.
On August 10, India launched an atomic reactor for its domestically produced nuclear submarine.
DB/HSN
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