INS Viraat (originally: HMS Hermes) was originally a British and later an Indian aircraft carrier, the keel of which was laid in June 1944, launched in February 1953, and commissioned in 1959. Its total length at the time of launching was 225 meters with a maximum width of 43.9 meters. Full displacement reached approx. 29,000 tons, and the maximum speed did not exceed 28 knots. At the time of the launch, the armament consisted of 10 40 mm anti-aircraft guns. From 1980, the ship could operate with 28 Sea Harriers and 9 Sea King helicopters.
HMS Hermes was built as one of the Centaur-class aircraft carriers, which consisted of 4 light aircraft carriers in the fleet. Units of this type were subjected to numerous design changes while still being built, which was related, for example, to the introduction of on-board jet airplanes into service. Despite some changes, the Centaur-class aircraft carriers were significantly more durable than the previous Royal Navy light aircraft carriers, they also had a well thought-out engine room and, in general, a powerplant. HMS Hermes has been heavily used by the Royal Navy since its entry into service, and in 1982 took a very active part in the Falklands War. In May 1987, the unit was sold to the Indian Navy, where it took the name of Viraat, and earlier - on the Indian initiative - the ship underwent a major renovation and modernization, which included the installation of new electronic equipment, on-board weapons or changes to components responsible for the take-off and landing of aircraft. . In Indian service, the ships were operated mainly by Sea Harrier planes, but also by Ka-28 or Ka-31 helicopters. INS Viraat was decommissioned in 2017.