By MANJUNATH KIRAN
KOCHI, INDIA — India unveiled its first indigenously built aircraft carrier on Monday, a landmark moment in the $5 billion project that seeks to project the country’s power and check the rising influence of China.
When the INS Vikrant comes into full service in 2018, India will join an elite club of nations that have designed and built their own aircraft carriers including Britain, France, Russia and the United States — but not China.
“It’s a remarkable milestone,” Defense Minister A.K. Antony said as he stood on a red carpet in the shadow of the giant ship, which was launched from a dry-dock in the city of Kochi and later pulled out into the harbor by tug boats.
“It marks just a first step in a long journey but at the same time an important one,” he added before his wife, Elizabeth, officially launched the 40,000-tonne vessel by placing a garland on its hull.
Read the full story at DefenseNews