India's New Aircraft Carrier

India has launched its first home built aircraft carrier as it continues to bolster its maritime presence at the Kochi shipyard in Kerala state.

Indian Navy calls 37,000 tonne vessel its 'crowning glory' after steadily building up its naval capabilities.

Enormous: MiG-29K, Light Combat Aircraft and Kamov 31 could fly from the 37,000 tonne carrier

Maritime giant: INS Vikrant docked at the Cochin Shipyard will be more than 850ft long and have a breadth of 196ft when it is complete

Elite list: India now joins a group of just four other countries - the U.S., Russia, France and Britain - capable of building an air craft carrier

Defence Minister A.K. Antony said today that India needed a strong navy to defend itself and that the country will press ahead with developing its maritime capabilities.

Tugboats guide the carrier as it leaves the dock of the Cochin. It will be re-docked where it will be outfitted and undergo trials

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