India launches its first homegrown aircraft carrier amid surging Asian arms race

As Australia bickers over whether or not it should build its own new submarines and frigates, one of our near neighbours has quietly launched an aircraft carrier.

Yesterday the INS Vikrant — India’s first homemade aircraft carrier — was undocked for the first time in a low-profile ceremony.

The ambitious 40,000 tonne warship is undergoing final fitout and is expected to begin sea trials early next year. Once active, the Vikrant will add India to an elite group of nations capable of building such vessels — The US, Russia, UK and France.

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