INS Vikramaditya may experience time delay and cost overruns

New Delhi: Reports emanating in the media suggest that Russia might not deliver the refitted aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (ex-Admiral Gorshkov) next year, as scheduled. It would appear that delivery of this strategically important ship might be pushed to 2010. It is also expected that there may be a cost overrun of $113 million, over and above the $800 million already contracted for by way of a refit and upgrade of the ship.

The 'strange' reason being advanced for the delay is that Russian shipbuilders have apparently underestimated the length of cabling required for the ship. It would appear that total length required is closer to 2,400 km, and not 700 km, as estimated by the Russian shipyard. This fourfold jump in requirement appears 'strange,' for shipbuilders are expected to know the amount, and kind of materials, that they require.

According to media reports, Indian naval headquarters is apparently dispatching a senior officer to Moscow for a first hand assessment of the situation.

The Indian Navy is looking forward to the induction of the INS Vikramaditya, not just as a force multiplier in the region, but also as a companion ship for its only carrier, the INS Viraat, which is due to retire from service in 2012.

The upgrade involves converting the ex-Gorshkov from a hybrid carrier/cruiser to a pure carrier by stripping all existing weaponry from the ship's foredeck. This would allow the carrier to operate the MiG-29K (naval version) and the naval version of the locally developed Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA).

The overall package for the aircraft includes the purchase of 30 MIG 29K Fulcrum D (Product 9.41) aircraft, six Kamov Ka-31 Helix reconnaissance and anti-submarine helicopters, torpedo tubes, missile systems, and artillery units, that will come at an additional cost of $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 undertaken at the Severomorsk ship yard.