IAC with nearly 75% indigenous content apt example of Atmanirbhar Bharat, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Source : The Hindu

Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh waves after a visit to Indigenous Aircraft Carrier at Kochi on Friday.   | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) was India’s pride and a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh said here on Friday, after a review of the vessel being built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited. The project, that was originally approved by the NDA government, has made significant progress in the recent past despite COVID-19.

Commissioning of the IAC next year would be a befitting tribute to 75 years of India’s Independence. The combat capability, reach and versatility of the aircraft carrier would add formidable capabilities in the defence of the country and help secure India’s interests in the maritime domain, Mr. Singh said.

Referring to his visit to Karwar on Thursday to review Project Seabird which would be the largest Naval Base of the Indian Navy in future, Mr. Singh said it would provide the facilities and infrastructure to support the Navy’s operations in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. The government was committed to a strong Navy and these two projects were examples of the unwavering focus.

“Our impetus on modernisation, harnessing India’s indigenous industry and know-how is a key priority. That 42 of the 44 warships on order are being built at Indian shipyards is a testimony to this. The IAC boasts of nearly 75% indigenous content, from design, to steel used in construction, to key weapons and sensors. Indigenous development of niche manufacturing technologies is set to gain impetus.”