No Delays in INS Vikramaditya Acquisition from Russia: Defence Minister
Dated 17/5/2007
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The aircraft carrier Gorshkov is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2008. The Russian side has assured at the highest level that the ship will be delivered as per contract.
The aircraft carrier is undergoing necessary repairs / modifications in Russia at present. The project is being closely monitored by the Empowered Apex Committee headed by the Defence Secretary and the Steering Committee headed by the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition.
However, sources from the Indian Navy had earlier confirmed reports being circulated in the Indian and Russian media regarding a possible two year delay in the acquisition of the Aircraft Carrier.
Related Reports
-- INS Vikramaditya: Aircraft Carrier Acquisition from Russia Delayed, Cost Overruns Expected
-- INS Vikramaditya Development Three, Four Months Behind Schedule: Indian Navy
Russia and India came to an agreement over the sale of the ship, the then-Admiral Gorshkov, which they had been haggling over for many years, in 2004, following which the ship is being extensively refitted. It is projected to replace INS Viraat. US$800 million is budgetted for refit and upgrade by the Indian government. Upgrade plans involve stripping all the weaponry from the ship's foredeck, converting her from a hybrid carrier/cruiser to a pure carrier, allowing her to operate the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Sea Harrier aircraft.
The deal also includes the purchase of 30 MIG 29K Fulcrum D (Product 9.41) aircraft, six Kamov Ka-31 Helix attack helicopters and reconnaissance anti-submarine helicopters, torpedo tubes, missile systems, and artillery units, costing an additional US$700 million. The ship will be operated in a STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Assisted Recovery) configuration, with a 14 degree ski-jump on the bow and three arrestor wires on the stern.
All reconfiguration work is being completed at Severomorsk.
