INS Vikrant (1961-1997): Originally named HMS Hercules, INS Vikrant was the Indian Navy’s first aircraft carrier. The ship, which was commissioned for the British Royal Navy was bought by India and commissioned in 1961 after a major refit. The 19,500-tonne, 210m-long vessel was armed with 1640mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns and played a crucial role in the Indo-Pak War in 1971. It was in service till 1997 and was scrapped in 2014-15.
Motto: “Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah” (I completely defeat those who dare to fight with me)
INS Viraat INS Viraat (1987-2017): INS Viraat was first commissioned into the British Royal Navy as HMS Hermes in 1959 and was the flagship of the royal navy’s task force during the Falklands War in 1982. After decommissioning in 1985, the Centaurclass vessel was refitted and sold to India, which commissioned it into the Navy in 1987. The 28,700-tonne, 226.5 m-long carrier served the Navy for 33 years.
Motto: “Jalamev Yasya Balmev Tasya” (One who controls the sea is all powerful)
INS VikramadityaINS Vikramaditya (2013-): A modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya joined the Indian Navy on 16 November 2013. Launched in the early 1980s, the carrier, which was originally named Baku, served the Soviet Navy from 1987 to 1991. In 1990, it was named Admiral Gorshkov and was in active service for four years. It was decommissioned in 1996 and India started negotiations with Russia to acquire it. The 45,400-tonne, 284m long ship was refitted and was commissioned in 2013.
Motto: Strike Far, Strike Sure