Understanding Decommissioned Indian Naval Ships

The question asks to identify which of the given options is a decommissioned aircraft carrier belonging to the Indian Navy. Let's examine each option to determine its type and current status.

Analyzing the Options

• INS Talwar: This is the lead ship of the Talwar-class stealth guided missile frigates. Frigates are escort vessels used for various roles including anti-submarine warfare, anti-aircraft warfare, and anti-surface warfare. INS Talwar is currently in active service with the Indian Navy.
• INS Chakra: This name has been used for two nuclear-powered attack submarines leased by the Indian Navy from Russia. The second INS Chakra (Akula-class) was returned to Russia. Submarines are underwater vessels used for reconnaissance, attack, and deterrence, and are not aircraft carriers.
• INS Khanderi: This is a Kalvari-class (Scorpene-class) diesel-electric attack submarine. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2019 and is currently in active service. Submarines are not aircraft carriers.
• INS Viraat: This ship served as an aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy. It was originally HMS Hermes in the Royal Navy, and was acquired by India and commissioned as INS Viraat in 1987. It was the Indian Navy's flagship for many years. INS Viraat was officially decommissioned on 6 March 2017. Therefore, INS Viraat is a decommissioned aircraft carrier.

Identifying the Decommissioned Aircraft Carrier

Based on the analysis, three of the options are either active frigates or submarines, which are not aircraft carriers. Only INS Viraat is an aircraft carrier that has been decommissioned by the Indian Navy.

Conclusion

The ship among the options that fits the description of a decommissioned aircraft carrier is INS Viraat.

Revision Table: Status of Indian Naval Ships

Additional Information on Indian Aircraft Carriers

The Indian Navy has operated several aircraft carriers over the years, playing a crucial role in its maritime strategy:

• INS Vikrant (R11): India's first aircraft carrier, acquired from the UK. Served from 1961 to 1997. Decommissioned and later preserved as a museum ship before being scrapped.
• INS Viraat (R22): Acquired from the UK (ex-HMS Hermes). Served from 1987 to 2017. Decommissioned and scrapped.
• INS Vikramaditya (R33): Acquired from Russia (ex-Admiral Gorshkov). Commissioned in 2013. Currently in active service.
• INS Vikrant (IAC-1): India's first domestically built aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 2022. Currently in active service.

Understanding the types and statuses of different naval vessels is important for comprehending naval power and history.