HMS Hermes, a British aircraft carrier, was the flagship of the Royal Navy’s task force during the Falklands War in 1982. After serving for almost three decades, the ship was finally decommissioned in 1984.
But when was HMS Hermes scrapped? Let’s take a closer look.
The Final Years of HMS Hermes
After being decommissioned in 1984, HMS Hermes was put up for sale. However, despite several interested buyers, none were able to meet the asking price of £3 million.
In 1986, the ship was finally sold to the Indian Navy for £12.3 million and was renamed INS Viraat. The ship underwent several upgrades and modernizations before re-entering service with the Indian Navy in 1987.
Over the next few decades, INS Viraat played a vital role in various naval operations and missions. However, by the early 2000s, it became clear that the ship was becoming obsolete and would need to be replaced soon.
The Scrapping of HMS Hermes
In 2016, after more than three decades of service with the Indian Navy, INS Viraat was finally decommissioned. The Indian government had been trying to sell or lease the ship to interested parties for several years but were unable to find any takers due to its age and condition.
Finally, in November 2020, it was announced that INS Viraat would be dismantled at a ship-breaking yard in Gujarat. The process of scrapping began shortly after that announcement.
The Legacy of HMS Hermes
HMS Hermes/INS Viraat had a long and illustrious career spanning several decades and playing important roles in various conflicts and missions around the world. The ship’s legacy lives on through countless stories of bravery and heroism from its crew members.
While it may be sad to see such a historic ship being dismantled, it’s important to remember the role it played in shaping history and the sacrifices made by those who served on board.
Conclusion
HMS Hermes/INS Viraat may have come to the end of its life, but its legacy will live on for generations to come. The scrapping of the ship marks the end of an era, but also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served on board and the importance of preserving our military history.