SOURCE: AFI
In a display of maritime prowess, India’s Navy recently conducted a significant event aboard its aircraft carriers in the Arabian Sea. This event, held as part of the Naval Commanders Conference, served to assess and demonstrate the force’s operational readiness, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance.
Footage released by the Indian Navy showcased two MiG-29K fighter jets, manufactured in Russia, executing a simultaneous takeoff from the Indian aircraft carriers Vikramaditya and Vikrant. The jets then executed a cross-deck landing, symbolizing the navy’s preparedness for rapid deployment and coordinated operations.
The maneuver, a highlight of the naval conference, underscored the navy’s commitment to maintaining a high level of operational readiness in the maritime domain. It served as a testament to the skill and proficiency of naval personnel, as well as the advanced capabilities of the aircraft carriers and associated aircraft.
Of particular significance was the participation of INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier commissioned in September 2022. The twin carrier operations demonstrated the seamless integration of INS Vikrant into naval operations, highlighting the nation’s progress in indigenous defense manufacturing and naval capabilities.
INS Vikramaditya, acquired from Russia in 2004 after extensive negotiations, has been a cornerstone of India’s naval power projection since its commissioning in 2013. Its inclusion in the twin carrier operations further emphasized the navy’s ability to effectively leverage diverse assets for strategic objectives.
The successful execution of the twin carrier operations not only showcased India’s naval prowess but also conveyed a message of deterrence and preparedness in the maritime domain. As regional security dynamics evolve, India’s Navy remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding national interests and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region.