India's first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant returns after successful maiden voyage...

 India's first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant returns after successful maiden voyage....

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant returned to the shore on Sunday after successfully accomplishing its maiden sea voyage. Trials progressed as planned and the system parameters proved satisfactory, the Indian Navy said.

"The carrier would continue to undergo series of sea trials to prove all equipment and systems prior to handing over the vessel to the Indian Navy," an Indian Navy statement said about the carrier.

The trials were reviewed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command. The carrier would undergo a series of 'Sea Trials' to test all its equipment and systems prior to its delivery in 2022.The successful completion of the maiden trials sorties was conducted by adhering to Covid-19 appropriate behaviours. "This is testimony to the dedicated efforts of large number of stakeholders for over a decade. This is a major milestone activity and historical event," the Indian Navy said.

Delivery of Vikrant is being "targeted to coincide with celebrations to commemorate 75th anniversary of India's independence". With the delivery of IAC, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier.

It will give a major boost to the Government's 'Make in India' initiative. Delivery of IAC would also strengthen India's position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a blue water navy.

"During the maiden sailing, the ship's performance, including hull and main propulsion, power generation and Distribution (PGD) and auxiliary equipment were tested," the statement added.