PUNE: The Indian Navy on Thursday, July 28, took delivery of IAC-1, the nation’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier from its manufacturer, Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The carrier, which after commissioning will be called ‘Vikrant’, has been handed over to the Navy ahead of schedule. The commissioning is likely to take place on Independence Day.

The aircraft carrier, which successfully completed its fourth and final phase of sea trials three weeks ago, puts India in an elite club of nations that have the capability to design and build these giant, powerful warships. 

“A momentous day in the Indian Maritime History & indigenous shipbuilding coinciding with the #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav," Indian Navy  Spokesman posted on Twitter.

Defence sources, who confirmed delivery of the vessel to the Navy, said that the official induction and commissioning of the IAC is likely to take place in August this year.

The IAC will serve to bolster India's position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a blue water Navy, a Defence release said.

The CSL, in a press release, also confirmed the delivery of the vessel, which is the largest warship ever to be built in India, having a deep displacement of close to 45,000 tonnes and is also considered as the most ambitious naval vessel project of the country.

The IAC is "christened after her illustrious predecessor — India's first aircraft carrier which played a vital role in the 1971 war" the release stated.