INS Viraat
INS Viraat
INS Viraat (R22) was one of the most iconic aircraft carriers in the history of the Indian Navy. Originally commissioned into the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom as HMS Hermes in 1959, the vessel later served India for nearly three decades and became a symbol of India's growing naval power.
India acquired the carrier from the United Kingdom, and it was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 12 May 1987 as INS Viraat. The name "Viraat" means "Giant" in Sanskrit, reflecting the ship's imposing presence and strategic importance.
The aircraft carrier served as the flagship of the Indian Navy for many years and played a vital role in safeguarding India's maritime interests. It was designed to operate Sea Harrier fighter aircraft, anti-submarine helicopters, and maritime surveillance helicopters, enabling it to conduct air defence, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and humanitarian missions.
During its long service, INS Viraat participated in numerous naval exercises, fleet operations, and international goodwill visits. It significantly enhanced India's ability to project naval power across the Indian Ocean Region and contributed to maritime security and disaster relief operations.
INS Viraat became one of the world's longest-serving aircraft carriers, completing over 30 years of service with the Indian Navy and nearly 57 years of total service including its Royal Navy career. The ship was officially decommissioned on 6 March 2017, marking the end of an era in Indian naval aviation.
Key Specifications
Type: Aircraft Carrier
Original Name: HMS Hermes (Royal Navy)
Indian Navy Commissioning: 12 May 1987
Decommissioned: 6 March 2017
Length: Approximately 226 metres
Displacement: Around 28,700 tonnes (full load)
Speed: Approximately 28 knots
Aircraft Operated: Sea Harrier fighters, Sea King helicopters, Chetak helicopters
Role: Fleet flagship, air defence, anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance
Historical Significance
INS Viraat represented India's maritime strength for nearly three decades. As the flagship of the Indian Navy, it played a crucial role in protecting sea lanes, supporting naval aviation, and enhancing India's strategic reach across the Indian Ocean. The carrier remains an enduring symbol of the nation's naval heritage and operational excellence.
INS Viraat (R22) was one of the most iconic aircraft carriers in the history of the Indian Navy. Originally commissioned into the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom as HMS Hermes in 1959, the vessel later served India for nearly three decades and became a symbol of India's growing naval power.
India acquired the carrier from the United Kingdom, and it was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 12 May 1987 as INS Viraat. The name "Viraat" means "Giant" in Sanskrit, reflecting the ship's imposing presence and strategic importance.
The aircraft carrier served as the flagship of the Indian Navy for many years and played a vital role in safeguarding India's maritime interests. It was designed to operate Sea Harrier fighter aircraft, anti-submarine helicopters, and maritime surveillance helicopters, enabling it to conduct air defence, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and humanitarian missions.
During its long service, INS Viraat participated in numerous naval exercises, fleet operations, and international goodwill visits. It significantly enhanced India's ability to project naval power across the Indian Ocean Region and contributed to maritime security and disaster relief operations.
INS Viraat became one of the world's longest-serving aircraft carriers, completing over 30 years of service with the Indian Navy and nearly 57 years of total service including its Royal Navy career. The ship was officially decommissioned on 6 March 2017, marking the end of an era in Indian naval aviation.
Key Specifications
Type: Aircraft Carrier
Original Name: HMS Hermes (Royal Navy)
Indian Navy Commissioning: 12 May 1987
Decommissioned: 6 March 2017
Length: Approximately 226 metres
Displacement: Around 28,700 tonnes (full load)
Speed: Approximately 28 knots
Aircraft Operated: Sea Harrier fighters, Sea King helicopters, Chetak helicopters
Role: Fleet flagship, air defence, anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance
Historical Significance
INS Viraat represented India's maritime strength for nearly three decades. As the flagship of the Indian Navy, it played a crucial role in protecting sea lanes, supporting naval aviation, and enhancing India's strategic reach across the Indian Ocean. The carrier remains an enduring symbol of the nation's naval heritage and operational excellence.