It's a big day for Indian Navy today as INS Vikrant is being commissioned today by the Indian PM Narendra Modi. INS Vikrant is a completely indigenously-built aircraft carrier, the biggest that India has built in its history.

Indian PM commissions India's first indigenous carrier; unveils new naval ensign

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be unveiling a new ensign of the Indian Navy at the aircraft carrier Vikrant Commissioning event on September 2, officials said on Tuesday.

“Prime Minister will commission the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The Prime Minister will also unveil the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage,” read a statement by PMO.

“The Indian Navy would get a new insignia without the Saint George’s cross which has been there on its flag ever since the British put it on it during the pre-independence era,” Navy officials said here.

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It was removed from the flag during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government between 2001 to 2004 but soon after Sonia Gandhi-led UPA came back to power, they brought it back citing certain issues raised by the then Navy officials.

The officials said the government is choosing from around 10 different designs that have been given to them by the naval headquarters.

The suggestions range from depicting 11 waves on the flag representing 11 different coastal states to showcasing the different commands of the force.

There was also a suggestion about including a sign from the times of the ancient navies of India which included the Cholas and later the Marathas.

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Sources said the design is expected to be unveiled on the day of commissioning itself. After the Prime Minister’s approval, the President will give her final approval as the supreme commander of the armed forces.

PM Modi will visit Karnataka and Kerala on September 1-2.

The Prime Minister will visit Sri Adi Shankara Janma Bhoomi Kshetram, the holy birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, on September 1.

On 2nd September, Prime Minister will commission the first indigenous aircraft carrier as INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi. Thereafter at 1:30 PM, Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 3800 crores in Mengaluru.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be unveiling a new ensign of the Indian Navy at the aircraft carrier Vikrant Commissioning event on September 2, officials said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be unveiling a new ensign of the Indian Navy at the aircraft carrier Vikrant Commissioning event on September 2, officials said on Tuesday. “Prime Minister will commission the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The Prime Minister will also unveil the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage,” read a statement by PMO. “The Indian Navy would get a new insignia without the Saint George’s cross which has been there on its flag ever since the British put it on it during the pre-independence era,” Navy officials said here. Also read | Pakistan floods: 380 children killed, UN secretary-general to visit next week It was removed from the flag during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government between 2001 to 2004 but soon after Sonia Gandhi-led UPA came back to power, they brought it back citing certain issues raised by the then Navy officials. The officials said the government is choosing from around 10 different designs that have been given to them by the naval headquarters. The suggestions range from depicting 11 waves on the flag representing 11 different coastal states to showcasing the different commands of the force. There was also a suggestion about including a sign from the times of the ancient navies of India which included the Cholas and later the Marathas. Also read | Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet president who ended cold war, dies aged 91 Sources said the design is expected to be unveiled on the day of commissioning itself. After the Prime Minister’s approval, the President will give her final approval as the supreme commander of the armed forces. PM Modi will visit Karnataka and Kerala on September 1-2. The Prime Minister will visit Sri Adi Shankara Janma Bhoomi Kshetram, the holy birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, on September 1. On 2nd September, Prime Minister will commission the first indigenous aircraft carrier as INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi. Thereafter at 1:30 PM, Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 3800 crores in Mengaluru.

PM Modi to unveil new ensign of the Indian Navy at aircraft carrier INS Vikrant commissioning

India is all set to commission its first-ever indigenously built aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant. Before the much-awaited induction, take a sneak peak into the Navy's new mean machine. How does it boost India's maritime security? Mariam Wardak tells you.

South Asia Diary | India to induct first indigenous aircraft carrier

The 10th edition of the national maritime search and rescue exercise 2022 was inaugurated in Chennai. The two-day exercise which will be conducted under the national maritime search and rescue board, is hosted by the Indian coast guard. Defence secretary of India spoke to WION and elaborated the importance of this exercise and the commissioning of INS Vikrant.

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar talks about INS Vikrant

Marking the beginning of a new era in India's Naval capabilities, the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant will be commissioned into the Navy as INS Vikrant, on Friday, September 2nd. The most expensive piece of military hardware in India's arsenal, the Vikrant will be formally inducted into the Indian Navy, at an event at the Cochin Shipyard Limited, the state-run shipyard in the Southern state of Kerala, where the vessel was built. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior officials from the Armed Forces are expected to be present at the event.&nbsp;

The commissioning of the Vikrant marks a significant milestone for India, as the country will henceforth be able to defend its 7500-km-long coastline with two operational aircraft carriers - INS Vikramaditya (of Russian origin) and the Indigenously designed and built Vikrant. However, the Vikrant would require more than a year following its commissioning to be fully operational. Thus far, the ship's crucial systems and sub-systems have been tested during multiple phases of sea trials. However, in order for the ship to be fully combat-ready, there are several other components such as radars, weapons etc. to be integrated, tested and proven.&nbsp;

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Similarly, while various helicopters operated by the Navy have landed and taken off from the deck of the Vikrant, the carrier-based fighter aircraft of the Indian Navy, the Russian-origin Mig 29K are yet to land on the deck. The installation and testing of restraining blocks and arrestor wires that facilitate the take-off and landing of the aircraft are also to be carried out in the coming months.&nbsp;

Why IAC Vikrant is a floating fortress?

The Indian Navy has operated aircraft carriers for more than five decades, but, those were all of foreign origin. Vikrant brings to the end a long wait for India's first indigenous aircraft carrier. With nearly 76% indigenous components and parts, the Vikrant is a towering symbol of India's shipbuilding capabilities, and progress in developing defence hardware.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;WION Ground Report: An on-board look at India’s first-ever indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant

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Built at a cost of Rs.20,000cr, the warship has a displacement of over 40,000tons(which is approximately 8 times the weight of an average warship). The floating airfield is 262 meters long and 62 meters at its widest, and the ship's flight deck is as vast as two football fields. The body of the ship or its hull has enough steel to erect more than three Eiffel towers, that’s about 21,000 tons of steel, specially developed by India’s Defence Research Development Organization.

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Beneath the flight deck, there are 2300 compartments of varying sizes. This 18-storey tall carrier is meant to be home to 1,700 crew, and nearly 30 aircraft. This floating city is powered by four LM-2500 Gas turbines that produce 90MW of Power for propulsion. &nbsp;All that propulsion power helps the carrier attain a top speed of 28knots and a cruising speed of 18knots. It carries enough fuel to cover the entire 7500-km-long Indian coast twice, without having to think about refuelling.&nbsp;

The IAC is literally an airbase at sea, it is meant to carry two dozen deck-based fighter planes and a handful of helicopters. The IAC never sails alone, the aircraft carrier is the leader of a carrier strike group, which is a tightly-knit flotilla that complements the strengths and capabilities of one another. &nbsp;As a leader of the carrier battle group, the IAC commands and controls all aerial assets, including those of its accompanying warships. Carrier strike groups can undertake a wide range of tasks and are a game changer in modern-day air-sea battle and power projection.

Marking the beginning of a new era in India's Naval capabilities, the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant will be commissioned into the Navy as INS Vikrant, on Friday, September 2nd.

Marking the beginning of a new era in India's Naval capabilities, the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant will be commissioned into the Navy as INS Vikrant, on Friday, September 2nd. The most expensive piece of military hardware in India's arsenal, the Vikrant will be formally inducted into the Indian Navy, at an event at the Cochin Shipyard Limited, the state-run shipyard in the Southern state of Kerala, where the vessel was built. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior officials from the Armed Forces are expected to be present at the event. The commissioning of the Vikrant marks a significant milestone for India, as the country will henceforth be able to defend its 7500-km-long coastline with two operational aircraft carriers - INS Vikramaditya (of Russian origin) and the Indigenously designed and built Vikrant. However, the Vikrant would require more than a year following its commissioning to be fully operational. Thus far, the ship's crucial systems and sub-systems have been tested during multiple phases of sea trials. However, in order for the ship to be fully combat-ready, there are several other components such as radars, weapons etc. to be integrated, tested and proven. ALSO READ | US rejects Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians Similarly, while various helicopters operated by the Navy have landed and taken off from the deck of the Vikrant, the carrier-based fighter aircraft of the Indian Navy, the Russian-origin Mig 29K are yet to land on the deck. The installation and testing of restraining blocks and arrestor wires that facilitate the take-off and landing of the aircraft are also to be carried out in the coming months. Why IAC Vikrant is a floating fortress? The Indian Navy has operated aircraft carriers for more than five decades, but, those were all of foreign origin. Vikrant brings to the end a long wait for India's first indigenous aircraft carrier. With nearly 76% indigenous components and parts, the Vikrant is a towering symbol of India's shipbuilding capabilities, and progress in developing defence hardware. WATCH | WION Ground Report: An on-board look at India’s first-ever indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant Built at a cost of Rs.20,000cr, the warship has a displacement of over 40,000tons(which is approximately 8 times the weight of an average warship). The floating airfield is 262 meters long and 62 meters at its widest, and the ship's flight deck is as vast as two football fields. The body of the ship or its hull has enough steel to erect more than three Eiffel towers, that’s about 21,000 tons of steel, specially developed by India’s Defence Research Development Organization. ALSO READ | Anthony Fauci: The face of America's fight against COVID-19 Beneath the flight deck, there are 2300 compartments of varying sizes. This 18-storey tall carrier is meant to be home to 1,700 crew, and nearly 30 aircraft. This floating city is powered by four LM-2500 Gas turbines that produce 90MW of Power for propulsion. All that propulsion power helps the carrier attain a top speed of 28knots and a cruising speed of 18knots. It carries enough fuel to cover the entire 7500-km-long Indian coast twice, without having to think about refuelling. The IAC is literally an airbase at sea, it is meant to carry two dozen deck-based fighter planes and a handful of helicopters. The IAC never sails alone, the aircraft carrier is the leader of a carrier strike group, which is a tightly-knit flotilla that complements the strengths and capabilities of one another. As a leader of the carrier battle group, the IAC commands and controls all aerial assets, including those of its accompanying warships. Carrier strike groups can undertake a wide range of tasks and are a game changer in modern-day air-sea battle and power projection.

India's Indigenous aircraft carrier 'Vikrant' to be Commissioned into Navy on  Sept 2: Sources

Why India's indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant worries China

India is on the verge of making a giant leap in defence engineering, bringing to end a 75-year long wait for the country. The second phase sea trial of the India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant are underway. WION's Sidharth MP brings you an exclusive on board report.

WION Ground Report: An on-board look at India’s first-ever indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant

Exclusive | An on-board look at the 'reborn' INS Vikrant, India’s first-ever indigenous aircraft carrier

The mega project of constructing India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier to be commissioned in 2022 as INS Vikrant&nbsp;has resulted in immense learning and capacity building for Indian industry and state-run entities, said admiral Karambir Singh, India’s Navy chief.

Admiral Karambir Singh also added that the previous and ongoing trials of the aircraft carrier has been&nbsp;going extremely well. The Navy chief and Sarbananda Sonowal, minister for ports, shipping was on a short visit to the 40,000 tonne vessel that is undergoing its second sea trial off the Kochi coast.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="INS Vikrant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fcaf4ef0-33a5-4adf-a927-04623cfd7783" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20211031-WA0123.jpg" />

Referring to the first sea trial of the IAC-1, admiral Singh said that the ship had performed at 100 per cent&nbsp;power in a short duration and had undergone tests for its endurance, hull and sea-keeping. 
 
<img alt="INS Vikrant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee0c8b18-5133-45fb-9c97-760517554f8f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20211031-WA0126.jpg" />

He expressed confidence that the Navy could take delivery of the carrier in April 2022 and commission it by August. Commending the IAC project and its implementation thus far, the Navy chief said that the carrier was 76 per cent&nbsp;indigenous and had been realised within budget. It&nbsp;involved 550 Indian industries and&nbsp;provided work opportunities for 13,000 persons, besides the main shipbuilder, state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited(CSL).&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="INS Vikrant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8348d3a4-7262-49ef-bc49-b6e6cbe769dc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20211031-WA0123_0.jpg" />

When&nbsp;queried regarding the key learnings from the IAC project and also the overall production timelines of ships facing delays and whether India could catch up to China’s speed of shipbuilding. The Navy chief replied, “There was a very steep learning curve and we learnt fairly quickly and learnt a lot. We developed important capabilities. We have a dry dock meant for 65,000tonne class ships coming up, we have mastered the indigenous DMR249 ship-grade steel and all our upcoming ships are built using it. There have been delays, but there are many payoffs as well."&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="INS Vikrant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b0e3c10b-7558-4a00-a822-072b61ad1f88" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20211031-WA0124.jpg" />

The Navy chief added how the Indian industry and shipbuilders picked up modern techniques including integrated construction and had seen the immense growth and success of the Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design.

Additionally, he pointed out that almost all of the 42 ships that were ordered by the Indian Navy(Ministry of Defence) were&nbsp;made indigenously. Notably, the chief emphasised that India could cut short the timelines of ship production in the coming years&nbsp;owing to the experience gained thus far.&nbsp;

On the role of the aircraft carrier, he said that the carrier battle group was central to Naval operations.

“Submarines are key to sea-denial(to enemy) and carriers are key to complete control and domination of a region. Nearly 90 per cent&nbsp;of India’s trade is via the sea route, hence carriers are crucial to protect our maritime interests and to prevent the enemy from reaching and interfering(in our waters and sea lanes of communication)."&nbsp;

When queried on the indigenous fighter aircraft LCA Tejas’ Naval variant being used on India’s carriers, the Navy chief replied that the LCA had already landed on the operational carrier INS Vikramaditya and served as a technology demonstrator.

He elaborated that the landing on a carrier deck and landing on-shore was&nbsp;different and how carrier-borne aircraft needed to be built differently from their land counterparts. He also added that the Indian Navy was looking for a twin-engine deck-based fighter aircraft. However, when queried if approval was granted for the much-talked-about&nbsp;third aircraft carrier, the Navy Chief replied that it wasn’t granted.&nbsp;

Minister Sarbananda Sonowal shared his immense gratitude towards the Indian Navy, Cochin Shipyard Limited and all other stakeholders, ancillary units for realizing such a mega project, within the country.

He said that India’s shipbuilders had developed the ability, confidence, infrastructure and team spirit&nbsp;for serving the nation. He added that&nbsp;Cochin Shipyard Limited had built India’s largest ship which opens up more opportunities for the state-run shipbuilder and also to the private sector&nbsp;owing to the growing push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India).

The mega project of constructing India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier to be commissioned in 2022 as INS Vikrant has resulted in immense learning and capacity building for Indian industry and state-run entities, said admiral Karambir Singh, India’s Navy chief.

The mega project of constructing India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier to be commissioned in 2022 as INS Vikrant has resulted in immense learning and capacity building for Indian industry and state-run entities, said admiral Karambir Singh, India’s Navy chief. Admiral Karambir Singh also added that the previous and ongoing trials of the aircraft carrier has been going extremely well. The Navy chief and Sarbananda Sonowal, minister for ports, shipping was on a short visit to the 40,000 tonne vessel that is undergoing its second sea trial off the Kochi coast. Referring to the first sea trial of the IAC-1, admiral Singh said that the ship had performed at 100 per cent power in a short duration and had undergone tests for its endurance, hull and sea-keeping. He expressed confidence that the Navy could take delivery of the carrier in April 2022 and commission it by August. Commending the IAC project and its implementation thus far, the Navy chief said that the carrier was 76 per cent indigenous and had been realised within budget. It involved 550 Indian industries and provided work opportunities for 13,000 persons, besides the main shipbuilder, state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited(CSL). When queried regarding the key learnings from the IAC project and also the overall production timelines of ships facing delays and whether India could catch up to China’s speed of shipbuilding. The Navy chief replied, “There was a very steep learning curve and we learnt fairly quickly and learnt a lot. We developed important capabilities. We have a dry dock meant for 65,000tonne class ships coming up, we have mastered the indigenous DMR249 ship-grade steel and all our upcoming ships are built using it. There have been delays, but there are many payoffs as well." The Navy chief added how the Indian industry and shipbuilders picked up modern techniques including integrated construction and had seen the immense growth and success of the Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design. Additionally, he pointed out that almost all of the 42 ships that were ordered by the Indian Navy(Ministry of Defence) were made indigenously. Notably, the chief emphasised that India could cut short the timelines of ship production in the coming years owing to the experience gained thus far. On the role of the aircraft carrier, he said that the carrier battle group was central to Naval operations. “Submarines are key to sea-denial(to enemy) and carriers are key to complete control and domination of a region. Nearly 90 per cent of India’s trade is via the sea route, hence carriers are crucial to protect our maritime interests and to prevent the enemy from reaching and interfering(in our waters and sea lanes of communication)." When queried on the indigenous fighter aircraft LCA Tejas’ Naval variant being used on India’s carriers, the Navy chief replied that the LCA had already landed on the operational carrier INS Vikramaditya and served as a technology demonstrator. He elaborated that the landing on a carrier deck and landing on-shore was different and how carrier-borne aircraft needed to be built differently from their land counterparts. He also added that the Indian Navy was looking for a twin-engine deck-based fighter aircraft. However, when queried if approval was granted for the much-talked-about third aircraft carrier, the Navy Chief replied that it wasn’t granted. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal shared his immense gratitude towards the Indian Navy, Cochin Shipyard Limited and all other stakeholders, ancillary units for realizing such a mega project, within the country. He said that India’s shipbuilders had developed the ability, confidence, infrastructure and team spirit for serving the nation. He added that Cochin Shipyard Limited had built India’s largest ship which opens up more opportunities for the state-run shipbuilder and also to the private sector owing to the growing push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India).

INS Vikrant: Going extremely well, says Indian Navy chief on sea trials of indigenous aircraft carrier

The aircraft carrier is 262 metres long, 62 metres at the widest part and a height of 59 metre including the superstructure. There are 14 decks in all, including five in the superstructure.

INS Vikrant returns to Kochi after 5-day trial

India is flexing its maritime muscles to counter growing Chinese influence, conducting sea trials on its first indigenous aircraft carrier and dispatching a task force for joint exercises with the United States and other allies.

The INS Vikrant, which began trials off the southern state of Kerala on Wednesday, will be India's second aircraft carrier in operation.

The Indian Navy said the country can now "join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the 'Make in India' thrust of the Indian Government."

The new 262-metre (860-foot) carrier joins the INS Vikramaditya, the Soviet-made Admiral Gorshkov that India bought in 2004.

The navy said 44 other ships and submarines were being built indigenously. It is also pressing the government for a third carrier, with Navy chief Admiral&nbsp;Karambir Singh saying the force could not remain "tethered".

China, vying for influence in the Indian Ocean where New Delhi has traditionally held sway, is currently building its third aircraft carrier.

The Indian Navy said separately on Monday that it was sending a task force of four ships to South East Asia, the South China Sea and Western Pacific for two months of exercises including with Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and the United States.

The deployment "seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and countries of the Indo Pacific," it said.

India, Japan, Australia and the US together form the "Quad" alliance seen as a bulwark against China.&nbsp;

Last year, 20 Indian troops died in a clash on their disputed Himalayan border with China.

This year, India has also conducted naval exercises with France and most recently with a British task force in the Bay of Bengal last month led by the new HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier.

This week, broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that India may be building a naval facility in the Mauritius archipelago, citing satellite imagery, financial data and on-the-ground evidence.

Mauritius on Wednesday said that although work was underway on an air strip and a jetty on the island of Agalega, they would not be used for military purposes.

India is flexing its maritime muscles to counter growing Chinese influence, conducting sea trials on its first indigenous aircraft carrier and dispatching a task force for joint exercises with the United States and other allies.

India is flexing its maritime muscles to counter growing Chinese influence, conducting sea trials on its first indigenous aircraft carrier and dispatching a task force for joint exercises with the United States and other allies. The INS Vikrant, which began trials off the southern state of Kerala on Wednesday, will be India's second aircraft carrier in operation. The Indian Navy said the country can now "join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the 'Make in India' thrust of the Indian Government." The new 262-metre (860-foot) carrier joins the INS Vikramaditya, the Soviet-made Admiral Gorshkov that India bought in 2004. The navy said 44 other ships and submarines were being built indigenously. It is also pressing the government for a third carrier, with Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh saying the force could not remain "tethered". China, vying for influence in the Indian Ocean where New Delhi has traditionally held sway, is currently building its third aircraft carrier. The Indian Navy said separately on Monday that it was sending a task force of four ships to South East Asia, the South China Sea and Western Pacific for two months of exercises including with Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and the United States. The deployment "seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and countries of the Indo Pacific," it said. India, Japan, Australia and the US together form the "Quad" alliance seen as a bulwark against China. Last year, 20 Indian troops died in a clash on their disputed Himalayan border with China. This year, India has also conducted naval exercises with France and most recently with a British task force in the Bay of Bengal last month led by the new HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier. This week, broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that India may be building a naval facility in the Mauritius archipelago, citing satellite imagery, financial data and on-the-ground evidence. Mauritius on Wednesday said that although work was underway on an air strip and a jetty on the island of Agalega, they would not be used for military purposes.

Eye on China, India flexes muscles with new aircraft carrier, task force

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two main accused a year after a security breach in the Cochin Shipyard. The duo stole key computer hardware components from India's indigenously built Aircraft Carrier INS vikrant in August 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarats-gir-forest-witnesses-steep-rise-in-asiatic-lions-pm-modi-lauds-the-achievement-305109" hreflang="en">Gujarat's Gir forest witnesses steep rise in Asiatic Lions, PM Modi lauds the achievement</a>&nbsp;

The items stolen included five micro-processors, 10 RAMs and five solid-state drives from the multi-functional consoles aboard the ship. The multi-functional consoles play a major role in forming part of the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) of the Project.

The duo has been identified as 23-year-old Sumit Kumar Singh who lives in Bihar's Munder and 22-year-old Daya Ram, who is a resident of Rajasthan's Hanumangarh. They worked as painters at the shipyard and were caught in their homes.&nbsp;

The NIA conducted multiple searches in Bihar, Rajasthan and Gujarat on Wednesday and retreived some of the stolen items. The convicts sold one of the har drives on OLX, which is a digital platform to sell goods.&nbsp;

A top NIA officer said, "The NIA was brought in as it was suspected to be a case of sabotage." Finding the accused was like finding a needle in the haystack. The officer said, "Cochin shipyard has hundreds of contractors with 100 employees each."

NIA conducted a thorough investigation where they collected fingerprints and palm prints of 5,000 workers working on IAC during that period and examined them. They even announced to award Rs 5 lakhs to anybody who provides lead in the case.&nbsp;

The duo basically wanted to make money by selling these parts but could only manage Rs 10,000 after they sold an industrial hard drive on OLX. The NIA will try to recover the hard drive from the customer. &nbsp;

The construction of INS Vikrant began on 2009 and is aimed to be completed and commissioned by 2021.&nbsp;

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two main accused a year after a security breach in the Cochin Shipyard. The duo stole key computer hardware components from India's indigenously built Aircraft Carrier INS vikrant in August 2019.

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two main accused a year after a security breach in the Cochin Shipyard. The duo stole key computer hardware components from India's indigenously built Aircraft Carrier INS vikrant in August 2019. Also read: Gujarat's Gir forest witnesses steep rise in Asiatic Lions, PM Modi lauds the achievement The items stolen included five micro-processors, 10 RAMs and five solid-state drives from the multi-functional consoles aboard the ship. The multi-functional consoles play a major role in forming part of the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) of the Project. The duo has been identified as 23-year-old Sumit Kumar Singh who lives in Bihar's Munder and 22-year-old Daya Ram, who is a resident of Rajasthan's Hanumangarh. They worked as painters at the shipyard and were caught in their homes. The NIA conducted multiple searches in Bihar, Rajasthan and Gujarat on Wednesday and retreived some of the stolen items. The convicts sold one of the har drives on OLX, which is a digital platform to sell goods. A top NIA officer said, "The NIA was brought in as it was suspected to be a case of sabotage." Finding the accused was like finding a needle in the haystack. The officer said, "Cochin shipyard has hundreds of contractors with 100 employees each." NIA conducted a thorough investigation where they collected fingerprints and palm prints of 5,000 workers working on IAC during that period and examined them. They even announced to award Rs 5 lakhs to anybody who provides lead in the case. The duo basically wanted to make money by selling these parts but could only manage Rs 10,000 after they sold an industrial hard drive on OLX. The NIA will try to recover the hard drive from the customer. The construction of INS Vikrant began on 2009 and is aimed to be completed and commissioned by 2021.

NIA arrests two for stealing key components from INS Vikrant, sold hard drive on OLX

China&#39;s state-run Global Times today <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-japan-intimacy-poses-no-real-threat-to-china-says-chinas-state-run-daily-global-times-20211">said India&#39;s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant</a> does not compare in weaponry and technology with China&#39;s first home-made carrier which will enter service in 2020.

China had inaugurated its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-can-play-constructive-role-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-says-state-run-global-times-21306">aircraft carrier in April last year</a> amid rising tension in the Korean peninsula. China hasn&#39;t revealed much about its carrier which is a &quot;state secret&quot;.

The government had said earlier that the new carrier&rsquo;s design draws on experiences from the country&rsquo;s first carrier - the Liaoning - bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.

China&#39;s military expert Song Zhongping told the Chinese daily that, &quot;India&#39;s home-made aircraft carrier cannot compare with China as it has taken a leap in construction technology and other relevant core technologies,&quot; adding,&quot;India still relies on other countries&#39; technology in building its aircraft carrier.&quot;

Another expert, Li Jie told the right-leaning Chinese daily that,&quot;INS Vikrant is more likely an assemblage of foreign technologies made by India.&quot;

&quot;The aircraft carrier&#39;s design is from France and Italy, its power system from the US and the weapon system is also from overseas,&quot; Li Jie declared.

Song Zhongping said as far as combat capability was concerned China&#39;s first &quot;home-made aircraft carrier&quot; carried the &quot;Shenyang J-15, a large antisubmarine helicopter&quot;, which could also be used for early warning and search and rescue operations. &nbsp;

&quot;Its defence system was also developed domestically,&quot; Song added.

&quot;China&#39;s second home-made carrier may adopt an electromagnetic catapult system, and the domestically developed radar system will be more accurate and far-reaching. The destroyers and frigates which form the aircraft carrier fleet would also be stronger,&quot; Li said.

Li also said it was meaningless to merely compare the aircraft carriers of China and India as the competitiveness&nbsp;of the navies in the future lies in comprehensive combat capabilities and cooperation of different forces.

The Chinese government had said that the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier - the Liaoning.

China's state-run Global Times today said India's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant does not compare in weaponry and technology with China's first home-made carrier which will enter service in 2020. China had inaugurated its aircraft carrier in April last year amid rising tension in the Korean peninsula. China hasn't revealed much about its carrier which is a "state secret". The government had said earlier that the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier - the Liaoning - bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China. China's military expert Song Zhongping told the Chinese daily that, "India's home-made aircraft carrier cannot compare with China as it has taken a leap in construction technology and other relevant core technologies," adding,"India still relies on other countries' technology in building its aircraft carrier." Another expert, Li Jie told the right-leaning Chinese daily that,"INS Vikrant is more likely an assemblage of foreign technologies made by India." "The aircraft carrier's design is from France and Italy, its power system from the US and the weapon system is also from overseas," Li Jie declared. Song Zhongping said as far as combat capability was concerned China's first "home-made aircraft carrier" carried the "Shenyang J-15, a large antisubmarine helicopter", which could also be used for early warning and search and rescue operations. "Its defence system was also developed domestically," Song added. "China's second home-made carrier may adopt an electromagnetic catapult system, and the domestically developed radar system will be more accurate and far-reaching. The destroyers and frigates which form the aircraft carrier fleet would also be stronger," Li said. Li also said it was meaningless to merely compare the aircraft carriers of China and India as the competitiveness of the navies in the future lies in comprehensive combat capabilities and cooperation of different forces.

China's aircraft carrier superior to India's INS Vikrant: Chinese experts

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