India launches first home-built aircraft carrier, bolstering naval capabilities
Picture taken on Aug. 12, 2013 shows the India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy, during its launching ceremony at Kochi in Kerala, India. India launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier Monday, which will put the country in the league of nations to have such a capability, a top defense official said. (Photo : Xinhua/Stringer)
India has launched its first home-built aircraft carrier, marking another milestone in its efforts to bolster its maritime presence. Defense Minister A.K. Antony said Monday that India needs a strong navy to defend itself, and that it will press ahead with developing its maritime capabilities.
India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy, is docked at the Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kerala, on Aug. 11, 2013. India launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier Monday, which will put the country in the league of nations to have such a capability, a top defense official said. (Photo : Xinhua/stringer)
India joins the U.S., Russia, France and Britain in building its own carrier. The carrier was launched at the Kochi shipyard in southern Kerala state, but it still needs to be outfitted and extensive trials held before it is inducted into the Indian navy in 2018. India has steadily built up its naval capabilities in recent years, spurred by its rivalry with neighboring China.
Picture taken on Aug. 12, 2013 shows India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy, during its launching ceremony in Kochi, Kerala, India. India launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier Monday. (Photo : Xinhua/Stringer)
On Saturday, India activated an atomic reactor for an indigenously built nuclear submarine. <AP/NEWSis>
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