Operating an aircraft carrier takes years to master, the skipper of INS Viraat, Captain Ajendra B Singh tells The Sunday Standard.
Q. How important is an aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy?
A: An aircraft carrier detects enemy’s capability and neutralises it before it becomes a threat; it is the core capability on which our naval strategy is based. INS Viraat provides a security umbrella—meaning ‘I will not allow any one into a particular area for a particular time’, thus exercising sea control.
Q. Is the Indian Navy’s capability to operate an aircraft carrier make the Chinese Navy turn green with envy?
A: You can’t reach Great Power-status in 10-15 days. Navies are made over centuries. Any navy aspiring to operate carriers will be envious of countries operating them. Naval aviation is a great skill, and it takes 25 years to hone it.
Q. How do you feel being at the command of the country’s lone aircraft carrier, and in completing 25 years of service?
A: It is a dream for any a naval officer.
Q. What is the most cherishing moments as captain of INS Viraat?
During an exercise in Bay of Bengal, we were at sea for 23-odd days. We performed night landings. It is the most difficult task to land an aircraft on the deck in the dark. Even in daytime, the deck is like a matchbox tossing and turning at sea.