The Hindu reports today that the hull of India's
first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) was floated out of its dry-dock at an
unannounced ceremony. The facility, it appears, was required for urgent
commercial work at the shipyard. The actual launch is expected to take place a
year from now. Timelines have already slipped significantly in what is by far
India's most ambitious shipbuilding effort yet. Previously intended for
commissioning in 2013, the INS Vikrant (as it will be christened, after India's
first carrier) is likely to enter service only in 2015.