Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant to Feature in International Fleet Review, Showcasing Indian Navy’s Strength

India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, will participate in the upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR), giving the world a firsthand look at the capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Showcasing Naval Power

During Operation Sindur, the Indian Navy maintained a forward presence in the Arabian Sea, effectively restricting Pakistan’s limited warships from venturing out of their harbors. Now, the IFR will allow global observers to witness the full strength of India’s carrier battle group. The Vikrant will be accompanied by submarines and 8–10 warships, including Nilgiri-class frigates, demonstrating India’s maritime operational readiness.

President Draupadi Murmu to Review the Fleet

The IFR is scheduled for 18 February at Visakhapatnam, where President Draupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will review the fleet. The indigenous offshore patrol vessel INS Sumedha will serve as the President’s yacht. The Navy has invited representatives from 137 countries, with over 60 nations confirming participation with their warships.

IFR: History and Frequency

The first IFR was held in 2001, reviewed by then-President K. R. Narayanan aboard INS Sukanya, with 97 warships from 20 countries—73 Indian and 24 foreign—taking part. The second IFR took place in 2016 at Visakhapatnam, with around 100 ships from 50 countries, reviewed by then-President Pranab Mukherjee from INS Sumitra.

The IFR is held every four to five years, alongside the Indian Fleet Review, which occurs once per presidential term. While the Republic Day Parade involves the President reviewing troops in one location, the Fleet Review is dynamic—the President’s ship moves past the anchored vessels, allowing a complete inspection of the Navy’s operational strength. The last President’s Fleet Review was held in 2022.

The participation of INS Vikrant in this year’s IFR marks a major milestone in India’s naval history, demonstrating the country’s growing indigenous defense capabilities to the world.