INS Viraat: Everything You Need to Know About India's Longest-Serving Warship

In the ever-evolving world of naval warfare, few vessels have stood the test of time like INS Viraat, a ship that holds the distinction of being the world’s longest-serving warship. Recently, the iconic aircraft carrier, which served as the flagship of the Indian Navy for nearly three decades, has found itself at the center of a contentious debate: should it be dismantled or transformed into a maritime museum?

The Supreme Court of India, in a recent hearing, stayed the dismantling of the ship after a last-ditch effort to convert the decommissioned warship into a museum. But what makes INS Viraat so significant? Let’s take a deep dive into its history, service record, and the ongoing debate over its fate.

A Legacy of Service

INS Viraat, originally commissioned by the British Royal Navy as HMS Hermes in 1959, became one of the most enduring symbols of India's naval strength. After serving the British for several decades, the ship was acquired by the Indian Navy in 1986, and it was commissioned into the Indian Navy on May 12, 1987.

For 29 years, it was the cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s carrier fleet, serving in numerous operations, including the Sri Lankan Civil War and the Operation Vijay during the Kargil War in 1999. Despite its age, Viraat was renowned for its operational readiness and effectiveness, and its role as the flagship of the Indian Navy was a point of national pride.

The Centaur-class aircraft carrier carried a variety of aircraft, including Sea Harrier fighters, Sea King helicopters, and Kamov 31 helicopters. Over its nearly three-decade career, it traveled over 588,287 nautical miles—more than 25 times the Earth's circumference—and participated in numerous exercises and operations.

In 2013, INS Viraat was succeeded by INS Vikramaditya as the flagship of the Indian Navy, marking the end of an era.

The Record-Breaker: World’s Longest-Serving Warship

INS Viraat holds a remarkable title—the longest-serving warship in the world. Having served the Indian Navy for almost 30 years, it eclipsed even some of the most storied ships in naval history, including its predecessor HMS Hermes, which was decommissioned after just 25 years of service with the British Royal Navy.

Viraat's service record is impressive:

• 2,258 days at sea
• 22,622 hours of flying operations
• Covering over 590,000 nautical miles

These accomplishments have etched Viraat’s name in naval history, and its legacy continues to be remembered by the Indian Navy and the nation.

The Fight to Save INS Viraat

In March 2017, after a distinguished service record, the Indian Navy decommissioned INS Viraat. However, its journey did not end there. In July 2020, the Ministry of Defence sold the ship to the Shree Ram Group, a shipbreaking company based in Alang, Gujarat, for a sum of Rs 38.54 crore. The company intended to scrap the warship and recycle its materials.

Yet, as the ship neared the end of its life, a Mumbai-based company, Envitech Marine Consultants Pvt Ltd, put forth a bold proposal: to transform the iconic warship into a maritime museum and adventure center. The company planned to dock the ship in the Zuari River in Goa, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich history, while also hosting recreational activities like water sports and other adventure-based attractions. The project received backing from the Goa state government, which wrote to the Ministry of Defence in support of this initiative.

However, the Defence Ministry formally rejected the proposal in December 2022, citing concerns about the ship’s deteriorating condition and the costs involved in repurposing it.

Despite this, in September 2023, the project found renewed hope when the Supreme Court of India intervened. Hearing a petition filed by Envitech Marine Consultants, the Court stayed the dismantling of INS Viraat and issued a notice to the shipbreaking company. The Supreme Court gave the petitioners a chance to present their case, offering a potential lifeline to the warship, even as a significant portion of the vessel had already been dismantled.

The Current Status of INS Viraat

As of now, INS Viraat is at a crossroads. The ship is still in the hands of Shree Ram Group and has been in the process of being scrapped since the sale in 2020. However, following the Supreme Court's order, all dismantling activities have been halted temporarily.

While the possibility of transforming INS Viraat into a museum remains uncertain, the continued public interest in preserving it highlights the deep emotional and historical connection that many Indians have with the vessel.

The End of an Era

INS Viraat's legacy as the longest-serving warship in the world is a testament to its operational prowess, historical significance, and the role it played in shaping India’s naval capabilities. While the ship’s future remains uncertain, its story is a remarkable chapter in the history of the Indian Navy and the nation’s maritime heritage. Whether it’s destined to be preserved as a museum or scrapped for its materials, INS Viraat will forever remain a symbol of India’s enduring maritime strength.

Conclusion

As India grapples with the decision over INS Viraat's future, one thing is certain—this warship will always hold a place of honor in the hearts of Indians. Whether in the form of a museum or simply as a piece of naval history, INS Viraat's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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