INS Vikrant to Take Centre Stage at International Fleet Review as India Showcases Maritime Power

Visakhapatnam, February 2026 : India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the pride of the Indian Navy and the star of the naval leg of Operation Sindoor, is set to be the main attraction at the International Fleet Review (IFR) to be held here from February 18. Navies from friendly foreign nations are eagerly looking forward to getting a close view of India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, reflecting growing global interest in India’s maritime capabilities, an official said on Monday.

During Operation Sindoor, INS Vikrant and its carrier battle group formed the backbone of the Indian Navy’s offensive deterrence strategy. Deployed in the northern Arabian Sea, the Vikrant carrier battle group played a decisive role in compelling the Pakistan Navy into a defensive posture. Its presence significantly altered the maritime balance, contributing to Pakistan seeking an urgent ceasefire. For the upcoming IFR, INS Vikrant will sail from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, symbolically transitioning from operational deployment to diplomatic and ceremonial prominence.

A formidable symbol of India’s naval strength, INS Vikrant measures 262.5 metres in length and 61.6 metres in width, with a displacement of approximately 45,000 tonnes. Designed for high operational flexibility, the carrier can achieve a maximum speed of 28 knots and accommodates around 1,600 personnel, including women officers. It can host up to 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighter jets, Kamov-31 airborne early warning helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, Chetak helicopters and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), making it a powerful floating airbase.

INS Vikrant derives its name from India’s first aircraft carrier, the legendary INS Vikrant (R11), which was decommissioned in 1997. The original Vikrant occupies a revered place in India’s naval history, having played a pivotal role in the liberation of Goa in 1961 and the 1971 Indo-Pak War, where its operations in the Bay of Bengal contributed significantly to India’s decisive victory. The new INS Vikrant carries forward this legacy, blending historical pride with modern indigenous capability.

The International Fleet Review is a ceremonial assembly of naval ships, submarines, aircraft and delegations from across the world. During the event, the President of India, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, reviews the assembled fleet. According to a Navy statement, the IFR serves as a platform to showcase maritime strength, foster cooperation and camaraderie among navies, and reaffirm sovereign oversight over the seas. India has previously hosted IFRs in 2001 at Mumbai and in 2016 at Visakhapatnam.

This year’s IFR coincides with the 13th edition of MILAN, the Indian Navy’s flagship multilateral naval exercise, which will also be hosted by Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command from February 18. Invitations have been extended to over 135 countries to participate in MILAN 26, underlining India’s expanding maritime outreach.

MILAN 26 aims to bring together navies from friendly foreign countries to strengthen professional bonds, share best practices and enhance cooperation at sea. The exercise will focus on large-scale multilateral operations, offering participating navies invaluable experience in operating together as a cohesive maritime force in complex operational scenarios.

Over the years, India’s naval partnerships have expanded steadily. More than 60 countries have confirmed their participation in the IFR, with many deploying their warships to Indian waters. India began opening its ports to allied navies in 2001 as part of its effort to demonstrate blue-water capabilities and promote maritime diplomacy.

The first International Fleet Review was organised in 2001, when then President K.R. Narayanan reviewed the fleet from INS Sukanya. That inaugural edition saw the participation of 97 warships from 20 countries, including 73 Indian and 24 foreign vessels. The second IFR, held in Visakhapatnam in 2016, marked the largest gathering of warships in Indian waters, with around 100 ships from 50 countries. Then President Pranab Mukherjee reviewed the fleet from INS Sumitra, accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

As INS Vikrant prepares to anchor the 2026 International Fleet Review, it not only highlights India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities but also underscores the country’s rising stature as a key maritime power and trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific region.