Prince Charles shipyard in Kochi to see INS Vikrant

Britain's Prince of Wales, Charles, visited the Cochin Shipyard Ltd. here on Tuesday to see India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

In August this year, India launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier, the 37,500 tonne Vikrant, and joined a select club of five countries capable of designing and building such vessels.

During his tour, Prince Charles met shipyard workers and examined the heavy machinery used by the massive ships.

The United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and France are capable of designing and building such warships while China is refurbishing a Soviet carrier.

INS Vikrant will play a critical role in projecting India's maritime prowess at a time when China plans to expand its dominance in the Indian Ocean.

The ship will have extensive trials in 2016 before its scheduled inclusion into the Indian Navy by end 2018.

The carrier will provide take off and landing facilities for Mig29K, Light Combat Aircraft and Kamov 31, once fully operational.

The ship, which will be 260 metres long and 60 metres wide, has been designed by the Directorate of Naval Design.