MILAN-2024; Indias naval might will be on full display on February 21 at Visakhapatnam

India's naval might will be on full show at MILAN-2024, which is set to start in Visakhapatnam on February 21. The city's residents will get a first look at the homegrown aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which is moored off the coast of Visakhapatnam and is flying the pennant number R11. Additionally, it will mark the first time that the Navy's two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, would remain in the port city for the duration of the week-long celebration.

Senior Eastern Naval Command (ENC) officials stated that this will also be the first time that both aircraft carriers will be taking part in a combined event or exercise.

Prior to this, two aircraft carriers were spotted together at an unknown location along the western shore when INS Vikrant was conducting aircraft landing trials. The huge carriers will be visible from where the other ships will be anchored, although they will be positioned a little further out from the beach because of their larger drafts, according to ENC sources. After the berth is built, INS Vikrant will be based at Visakhapatnam in a few years. Under the Western Command, INS Vikramaditya's homeport is INS Kadamba in Karwar, whereas INS Vikrant is purportedly located in Visakhapatnam to patrol the eastern shore.

About 20 Indian warships of various classes, including the stealth-guided missile destroyer INS Chennai of the Kolkata class, will be on display. On February 22, the Indian Navy's aerial might will also be on display when the municipal parade takes place at RK Beach. Nearly every naval aircraft, including the MIG-29K, P8I, Hawk (Advanced Jet Trainer), LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), recently acquired MH-60R helicopters from the USA, and the domestically produced ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), will demonstrate their capabilities. On February 22, the ships that are anchored off the coast of Visakhapatnam will be illuminated.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar will be present at a function on February 22 morning at the Eastern Naval Command, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will officially open the event on February 21.