INS Vikrant, the indigenous aircraft carrier, is set to join the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam next year, according to Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar. Speaking at a press conference following the investiture function at the ENC headquarters, Admiral Hari informed the media that all sea trials have been successfully completed. Notably, the anti-submarine helicopter MH60 Romeo and the MIG 29k fighter jets recently made successful landings on the carrier.
Admiral Hari stated that Vikrant is scheduled to be operational by November this year and will officially join the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam next year. He further expressed the Navy’s commitment to indigenous defense production, aiming for complete self-reliance by 2047. The Navy has set an ambitious goal of achieving 80 percent indigenous production by 2035, as they strive to shed the old colonial mindset and embrace a forward-looking approach.
The Admiral commended the support received from MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and start-ups in the defense sector. Ten prototype products have already been launched, with more expected in the coming years. Admiral Hari expressed enthusiasm for these developments, highlighting the Navy’s commitment to progress.
During the investiture ceremony at the Eastern Naval Command, Admiral Hari presented gallantry and distinguished service awards on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu. The ceremony, held after a six-year gap, honored 33 recipients with various awards. Notably, Vineet Kumar LA(AH) and Cdr Nishant Singh (Posthumous) received the Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), while others were awarded Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), Vishisht Seva Medal, Jeevan Raksha Padak, and other accolades.
The Chief of Naval Staff also presented the Lt VK Jain Memorial Gold Medal for pioneering research in the field of weapon improvement and electrical engineering, as well as the Capt Ravi Dhir Memorial Gold Medal for promoting flight safety.
Recognizing outstanding performances, the CNS Trophy for Best Green Practice 2023 was awarded to Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, and INS Tunir in the industrial and non-industrial categories, respectively. Additionally, Unit Citations were bestowed upon operational units and shore establishments for their exceptional achievements over the past year.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of spouses, families of the awardees, and senior dignitaries from the Indian Navy. Admiral Hari emphasized the crucial role of Naval personnel in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests, highlighting their unwavering professionalism and indomitable spirit, which ensure success in all endeavors.
