India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, which has been undergoing a major refitment at the Karwar naval base, is expected to be back in action at the end of this month for sea trials, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.

The Indian Navy is reported to have submitted the trial reports of the two fighters to the Defence Ministry and based on the performance of the fighters the decision will be taken by the Modi government, the report states.

The INS Vikramaditya has the ability to carry over 30 aircraft comprising an assortment of MiG 29K/Sea Harrier, Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Sea King, ALH-Dhruv and Chetak helicopters. The MiG 29K swing role fighter is the main offensive platform and provides a quantum jump for the Indian Navy’s maritime strike capability.

These fourth-generation air superiority fighters provide a significant fillip for the Indian Navy with a range of over 700 nautical miles and an array of weapons including anti-ship missiles, Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles, guided bombs and rockets.

The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art launch and recovery systems along with aids to enable smooth and efficient operation of ship borne aircraft. Major systems include the LUNA Landing system for MiGs, DAPS Landing system for Sea Harriers and Flight deck lighting systems.

The battleship will be based on the country’s western coast along with INS Vikrant until a jetty that can handle the two huge aircraft carriers is ready at Vishakhapatnam on the eastern coast.

The two aircraft carriers are a major step in the development of a blue water navy for the country at a time when China has been flexing its muscle in the Indo-Pacific.

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