Kochi: India on Monday launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, making an entry into a select club of countries capable of designing and building a carrier of this size and capability.

Defence Minister A K Antony's wife Elizabeth launched the 37,500 tonne carrier at Kochi shipyard here today, close to four-and-a-half years after its keel was laid by the minister.

Speaking on the occasion, Antony congratulated Cochin Shipyard and the Navy team for their contribution in launching the first indigenous aircraft carrier.