India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Air Wing Achieves Full Operational Capability

The Indian Navy’s Carrier Air Wing 1 (CAW-1) — comprising Tejas-Navy Mk1, MiG-29K, and MH-60R Romeo helicopters — has achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) aboard INS Vikrant. This milestone follows 18 months of intensive carrier qualification trials, including 1,200+ arrested landings and night deck operations in the Lakshadweep Sea.

Key Milestones

• Tejas-Navy completed 100% indigenous ski-jump launches with Uttam AESA radar-guided BVR kills.
• MH-60R conducted live ASW torpedo drops using Indian sonobuoys.
• Digital twin simulation (developed by DRDO & BEL) reduced training time by 40%.

CAW-1 is now deployable for extended IOR patrols, with dual-carrier interoperability validated with INS Vikramaditya — as seen in recent dual-carrier drills.

“This is not just about aircraft — it’s about sovereign control of the skies over our seas.” — Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar (Retd.)

Strategic Impact: Marks India’s transition from carrier operator to self-reliant carrier power, complementing ASW assets like INS Androth.