India's Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Sets Sail After Three-Month Hiatus

India's Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Sets Sail After Three-Month Hiatus

The Indian Navy's flagship, INS Vikrant, has made a significant return to the Arabian Sea after a three-month hiatus. Satellite imagery confirms the 45,000-tonne carrier is back in action, with its first sighting outside the port since December. The carrier's sharp return heading suggests post-maintenance sea trials or machinery checks.

INS Vikrant's Homeport and Operations

INS Vikrant has been homeported in Karwar since its commissioning in September 2022 and operates from the naval base periodically. This sailing marks the first sighting outside of three months beside the port since a late December sailing, which saw the carrier take up operating stations for trials. Recent news indicates that INS Vikrant has been preparing for more trials subsequent to its previous operational sortie.

Maiden Sea Trials and Operational Clearance

INS Vikrant began its maiden sea trials in August 2021 and began obtaining day and night landing of MiG-29K fighter jets. The carrier's most recent completed clearance-period of operations flew a total of over 750 hours from January 2024 through November 2024. Vikrant is no stranger to rigorous flight, navigation, operational, and sea trials; it has undergone extensive testing and trials since its commissioning.

Recent Heading Changes and Satellite Imagery

The carrier's recent heading changes observed seem to be either a machinery check, maneuvering trial, confirmation of navigational systems operation, or some limited post-maintenance acceptance trials. Unfortunately, satellite imagery cannot determine either the test of system performed or if aircraft have even taken to flight on the vessel for this specific voyage.

Key Takeaways

• INS Vikrant has broken cover after a three-month hiatus, spotted sailing out of the Karwar naval base in the Arabian Sea.
• The carrier's sharp return heading suggests post-maintenance sea trials or machinery checks.
• INS Vikrant has been homeported in Karwar since its commissioning in September 2022 and operates from the naval base periodically.
• The carrier's recent heading changes observed seem to be either a machinery check, maneuvering trial, confirmation of navigational systems operation, or some limited post-maintenance acceptance trials.
• INS Vikrant is no stranger to rigorous flight, navigation, operational, and sea trials; it has undergone extensive testing and trials since its commissioning."