India, Russian Federation Complete Carrier Deal

Sea Power, Mar 2004

On Jan. 24, Russia and India completed a $1.5 billion agreement for transfer of the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, a Kiev-class design, to the Indian Navy.

The contract includes a complete refit prior to transfer, after-sale services, a supply of spare parts, and an air wing of 28 MiG-29K fighters and six Kamov Ka-28 and Ka-31 helicopters.

The contract was among the business conducted during Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov's visit to India in January. The aircraft carrier will be delivered to India in 2008, following overhaul in Russia. The vessel is expected to replace the Indian carrier Viraat.

The Gorshkov could be the lone carrier in Indian naval service until 2012, when the first of three new Vikrant-class aircraft carriers, built under the Indian Navy's air-defense ship program, is expected to enter service. The Gorshkov probably will decommission after 2020, when the final Vikrant-class vessel enters service.