SOURCE: AFI
Recently, officials from the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut, TNI-AL) and other delegations attending MILAN 2024 had the unique opportunity to board India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. This landmark event not only showcased India’s naval prowess but also highlighted the spirit of maritime cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
INS Vikrant stands as a symbol of India’s growing maritime capabilities and its commitment to bolstering naval power in the Indo-Pacific region. As the largest warship ever built in India, INS Vikrant represents a significant milestone in the country’s defense modernization efforts and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
During the visit, attendees were treated to a mesmerizing display of naval aviation as a diverse array of aircraft lined the flight deck. Among the notable aircraft on display were the formidable Mig-29K fighter jets, the versatile Alouette III helicopters, the reconnaissance-oriented Kamov Ka-31, the stalwart SH-3 Sea King, the state-of-the-art MH-60R helicopters, and the indigenous HAL Dhruv.
Each aircraft showcased on the flight deck of INS Vikrant represents a unique aspect of naval aviation, ranging from combat operations and reconnaissance to search and rescue missions. The presence of such a diverse fleet underscores India’s commitment to maintaining air superiority and maritime security in the region.
The visit also served as a platform for fostering closer ties and collaboration between the Indian and Indonesian navies. As two maritime nations with shared interests and challenges, India and Indonesia have increasingly sought to enhance maritime cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster response, and joint exercises.