The Remarkable End of an Iconic Aircraft Carrier
The question "Where is HMS Hermes now?" leads us on a fascinating journey across the globe, far from the familiar shores of the United Kingdom. While many naval vessels meet their end through dismantling or becoming artificial reefs, the story of HMS Hermes is one of continued service, albeit under a different flag and in a very different role.
From British Pride to Indian Service
HMS Hermes (R12), a Centaur-class aircraft carrier, was a prominent vessel in the Royal Navy for over three decades. Commissioned in 1959, she played a significant role in various naval operations, including the Falklands War in 1982, where her relatively small size and STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) capabilities proved invaluable. After her service with the Royal Navy concluded in 1984, the fate of the veteran carrier was far from sealed.
In 1987, HMS Hermes was sold to India, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her long and distinguished career. Renamed INS Viraat (meaning "Giant" or "Vast" in Sanskrit), she was refitted and commissioned into the Indian Navy. This marked a significant expansion of India's naval aviation capabilities, as she became the flagship of the Indian Navy and a cornerstone of its carrier fleet.
A New Life as INS Viraat
As INS Viraat, the former HMS Hermes served with distinction for nearly three decades. She underwent further upgrades and modifications to suit the specific needs of the Indian Navy. For a considerable period, she was the sole operational aircraft carrier for India, a testament to her robust design and the care with which she was maintained.
During her tenure with the Indian Navy, INS Viraat was a vital platform for training pilots, conducting joint naval exercises with other nations, and projecting India's maritime power. She operated a variety of aircraft, including Sea Harrier jump jets, Sea King helicopters, and later, MiG-29K fighter jets alongside her fellow carrier, INS Vikramaditya.
The Final Resting Place: A Retirement from Service
After an incredible 55 years of operational service, spanning both British and Indian naval history, INS Viraat was decommissioned by the Indian Navy on March 6, 2017. This marked the end of an era for the legendary warship. Her retirement was celebrated as the end of her active military duty, but her story wasn't quite over yet.
The quest to preserve INS Viraat as a museum ship or a floating hotel began shortly after her decommissioning. There were proposals from various states in India, with plans to transform her into a tourist attraction and a naval museum. However, these ambitious projects faced significant hurdles, including financial constraints and logistical challenges.
Tragically, despite efforts to give her a new life as a heritage asset, the ship was eventually sold for scrap. In September 2020, she was towed to Alang, Gujarat, India, a well-known shipbreaking yard. There, the once-proud carrier began the process of being dismantled.
Therefore, to answer the question "Where is HMS Hermes now?", the answer is that the ship, in its original form as a commissioned warship, no longer exists. Her hull and components are currently undergoing dismantling in Alang, India, bringing a final, albeit bittersweet, end to her remarkable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about HMS Hermes/INS Viraat
How long did HMS Hermes serve?
HMS Hermes, and later INS Viraat, had an extraordinary service life. She was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1959 and decommissioned by the Indian Navy in 2017. This amounts to an impressive 55 years of active duty, serving under two different flags.
Why was HMS Hermes sold to India?
Following the Falklands War and the subsequent modernization of the Royal Navy, HMS Hermes was deemed surplus to requirements by the British. India, seeking to bolster its naval aviation capabilities and acquire a proven aircraft carrier, purchased the vessel to enhance its maritime strength and projection.
What was special about HMS Hermes's design?
HMS Hermes was one of the smaller aircraft carriers of her time, but she was designed with STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) aircraft in mind. This made her particularly adaptable and efficient, especially for operating aircraft like the Sea Harrier, which was crucial for her operational flexibility and played a key role in the Falklands War.
Will HMS Hermes be preserved as a museum ship?
While there were strong proposals and aspirations to preserve INS Viraat (formerly HMS Hermes) as a museum ship or floating hotel in India, these plans unfortunately did not materialize due to various financial and logistical challenges. The ship was ultimately sold for dismantling.
