India launches first indigenous aircraft carrier

India on Monday launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier at the Kochi shipyard in the southern state of Kerala. Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony's wife Elizabeth formally launched the 37,500-ton carrier, INS Vikrant, nearly six years after its production started, according to local TV channel Times Now.

Addressing the ceremony, Antony said India has become one of the nations which can produce indigenous aircraft carriers.

Describing the launch as the crowning glory of Indian Navy's indigenisation program, officials said the aircraft carrier will be re-docked being commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2018.