Navy’s lone aircraft carrier completes 25 years in service

New Delhi, Feb 10, 2012: It is the pride of the Indian Navy and the warhorse will be completing 25 years of glorious service in the force. The lone aircraft carrier of the country INS Viraat has completed a quarter of century projecting India’s force beyond its border. 

The British-built warship that remained in the forefront during British Falkland Islands campaign as Hermes was to be decommissioned in 1985. Then Indian Navy, a force from a developing country, sought to buy it. It was in 1987 that Hermes was inducted into the Indian Navy and rechristened as INS Viraat, meaning giant.

Even after serving the Royal Navy for 28 years, the giant warhorse went on to serve in the Indian Navy for a quarter of century. The aircraft carrier, has given the Indian Navy an upper hand over the Chinese Navy, which got an aircraft carrier only last year.

“INS Viraat has served the force well, way beyond the period it was envisaged to. We are planning celebrations as it completes 25 years of service,” an official said. The celebrations will be held in Mumbai, where Viraat is deployed.

The 28,000-tonne Viraat, the Centaur class aircraft carrier, has in fact been in existence for over 50 years. It was originally commissioned in the British Royal Navy as HMS Hermes Nov 18, 1959.

With the growing stature of the country, Indian Navy has also become a true blue water force to be reckoned with and INS Viraat plays a pivotal role in this endeavour.  Being the sole aircraft carrier of the country, Viraat provides operation ground in the middle of ocean for Sea Harrier combat jets. It can embark up to 18 combat aircraft and is suited for supporting amphibious operations and conducting anti-submarine warfare.

After an extensive refit in 2009 the giant is back in action with brand new fire control equipment, navigation radars, improved nuclear, biological and chemical protection and deck landing aids – all the equipments that has given Viraat a lease of life for another decade or so.

The stint of the aircraft carrier in the Indian Navy has been eventful and has undergone some major and minor refits. In September 1993, the engine room of Viraat was flooded, temporarily putting the vessel out of service. By 1995, the vessel was back with new radar.

In 2006, Viraat underwent an extensive life-extension refit in 1999-2000, with new and upgraded propulsion, sensors, sonar, radars, weapons, communication and flood-control systems.

The Indian Navy is looking to operate two aircraft carriers soon. The Russian-built Admiral Gorshkov is expected to be inducted by 2012 end.  Gorshkov will have 16 MiG-29 K fighter jets on board. The two aircraft carriers will increase the reach of the India’s blue water navy.

Its third aircraft carrier, built within the country at the Cochin Shipyard, will get commissioned in 2015.