President Ram Nath Kovind visits indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant at Kochi

The President appreciated the efforts of Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard towards development of indigenous capabilities in shipbuilding.

Chennai: President Ram Nath Kovind visited the under-construction indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant at Kochi on Wednesday (December 22). Paying his maiden visit to the carrier, the Supreme Commander of India's Armed Forces also witnessed a Naval operations demonstration at the Ernakulam channel in the city.

Accompanied by Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammad Khan and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, the President witnessed a Naval operations demonstration that displayed the combat capabilities of ships and aircraft. The display included simulated beaching reconnaissance and assault, high speed runs by fast interceptor crafts, shore bombardment, helobatics, sonar dunk operations, boarding operations and cargo sling operations by Naval helicopters.

After a briefing onboard the carrier regarding the progress of trials towards commissioning of the ship, the President undertook a brief tour of the mighty warship.