INS Viraat, world's oldest active aircraft carrier, in Kochi

KOCHI: The oldest operational aircraft carrier in the world, INS Viraat of Indian Navy, expected to be decommissioned some time next year, is on a visit here.

"She is the oldest operational carrier in the world. We continue to run it at its operational best," a Navy official told reporters onboard the ship at the Cochin Shipyard.

The ship, which started journey in Navy in 1958, could make one more visit to Kochi before it is decommissioned next year, the key crew member said in reply to a question.

"I think, there might be just one more visit," he said.

"It is the duty and responsibility of our team to ensure that the ship remains at its operational best as long as she is in service," he added.

He said for the last 28 years, the ship had been periodically upgraded with all its weapons and censors with equipment on board and "that is how the Navy has been able to keep it running so effectively."