“This challenging night landing trial also demonstrates the resolve, skill, and professionalism of the Vikrant crew and the naval pilots,” said Commander Vivek Madhwal, who is in charge of public relations for the Indian Navy.
An additional significant historical achievement was reached by the Indian Navy when the MiG-29K fighter aircraft successfully completed its first night landing on the INS Vikrant. This, according to the Indian Navy, is illustrative of the Navy’s thrust towards aatmanirbharta, which translates to “self-reliance.”
“This challenging night landing trial also demonstrates the resolve, skill, and professionalism of the Vikrant crew and the naval pilots,” said Commander Vivek Madhwal, who is in charge of public relations for the Indian Navy.
The INS Vikrant is India’s first ever homegrown aircraft carrier and the country’s most technically advanced and intricately designed warship to date. Cochin Shipyard Limited was responsible for the construction of the aircraft carrier, which was developed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy.
The aircraft carrier set sail for the first time on August 4, 2021, to participate in its initial sea trials. On September 2, 2022, it was officially accepted into service with the Indian Navy.
Before this, the aircraft carrier had been engaged in significant air operations with rotary and fixed-wing aircraft since the 13th of December in the direction of Air Certification and Flight Integration Trials with the purpose of obtaining the ultimate goal of being “Combat Ready.”
The Indian Naval Test Pilots were successful in landing the LCA (Navy) and the MiG-29K onboard the INS Vikrant on February 6, 2023.
“The landing of MiG-29K onboard INS Vikrant is also a significant achievement as it marks the successful integration of the aircraft with the indigenous carrier as well as further enhances the Combat Readiness of the Navy,” the Indian Navy stated. “This further enhances the Combat Readiness of the Navy.”