Visakhapatnam, Feb 2 (NationPress) The highlight of Operation Sindoor's naval operations, INS Vikrant, is poised to be the main attraction at the upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR) commencing on February 18. Naval forces from allied nations are eagerly anticipating a close-up view of India’s homegrown aircraft carrier, as stated by an official on Monday.

The Vikrant carrier battle group played a pivotal role in the Indian Navy's offensive deterrent strategy during Operation Sindoor. Positioned in the northern Arabian Sea, this group was instrumental in compelling the Pakistan Navy into a defensive stance, ultimately leading to an urgent ceasefire request. As part of the IFR, it will navigate to the Bay of Bengal.

The aircraft carrier measures 262.5 meters in length and 61.6 meters in width, with a displacement nearing 45,000 tonnes. INS Vikrant can reach a maximum speed of 28 knots and accommodates approximately 1,600 personnel, including female officers. The carrier is capable of hosting up to 30 aircraft, including MiG-29 K fighter jets, MiG-29 KUB, Chetak, Kamov 31, MH 60R helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH).

INS Vikrant is named after India's inaugural aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant (R11), which was decommissioned in 1997. The original INS Vikrant played a vital role in both the 1961 Goa Liberation Operation and the 1971 Indo-Pak War, earning a significant place in India's naval heritage.

The International Fleet Review (IFR) serves as a ceremonial gathering of international naval delegations, ships, submarines, and aircraft, with the President, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, overseeing the fleet, according to a Navy statement.

This event highlights maritime power, collaboration, and camaraderie while reaffirming sovereign authority. India has previously hosted IFRs in 2001 at Mumbai and in 2016 at Visakhapatnam.

Visakhapatnam will also host the 13th edition of MILAN, the Indian Navy's flagship multilateral naval exercise under the Eastern Naval Command, starting February 18 in the Bay of Bengal waters. Invitations have been sent to over 135 nations for participation in MILAN 26.

MILAN 26 aims to unite navies from friendly foreign countries to enhance professional ties, share best practices, and bolster collaboration at sea. The exercise will concentrate on large-scale multilateral operations, affording invaluable experiences in working together as a cohesive maritime force.

Over the years, the Indian Navy’s relationships with friendly nations have expanded significantly. More than 60 countries have confirmed their participation in the IFR.

Numerous nations will attend with their warships. India began allowing allied navies to access its ports in 2001 to demonstrate its strength in blue waters. The inaugural IFR took place in 2001, where then-President K. R. Narayanan reviewed the fleet from INS Sukanya.

The first IFR featured 97 warships from 20 countries, including 73 Indian and 24 foreign vessels.

The second IFR occurred in Visakhapatnam in 2016, attracting a record number of participating nations, with approximately 100 warships from 50 countries. This event marked the largest assembly of warships in Indian waters.

During this event, then-President Pranab Mukherjee inspected the fleet from INS Sumitra, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.