Visakhapatnam, February 24: INS Vikrant, India's home-built aircraft carrier, drew global attention as the centrepiece of the International Fleet Review (IFR-2026) and multinational exercise MILAN 2026 held off Visakhapatnam's coast from February 15 to 25.
Reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu on February 18, the 45,000-tonne vessel commissioned in 2022, made its debut at such an event, symbolising India's shift toward defense self-reliance with 75% indigenous content.
The carrier, operating up to 30 aircraft including MiG-29K fighters and advanced helicopters, anchored amid a Carrier Battle Group of destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and support ships.
Events united navies from over 70 countries in drills focused on interoperability, maritime security, and humanitarian operations. Hosted by the Eastern Naval Command in Andhra Pradesh's coastal hub, the gathering boosted Vizag's profile as a key maritime gateway.
