Watch: Vikrant (IAC-1), India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, Sails Out On Maiden Sea Trials

The carrier had completed its basin trial in November 2020 successfully. Thereafter, the integration of a number of other navigational, communication and operational systems was also undertaken.

The focus of the ongoing sea trials of the carrier is the 'move' component of the ship to see how the vessel fares in the water. And if all goes as per the plans during the trials, the carrier will likely be commissioned by the middle of 2022.

It will have as many as 35-40 aircraft on board which will include naval fighter jets, anti-submarine helicopters and also naval UAVs.

Rajnath Singh had stated last month that IAC has nearly 75 per cent indigenous content - from design to steel used in construction to key weapons and sensors. He recalled a recent approval accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council for RFP of Project 75-I under the Strategic Partnership model, which will give further fillip to the indigenous development of niche manufacturing technologies. He said the commissioning of IAC would be a befitting tribute to 75 years of India's independence.