INS Vikramaditya

   The INS Vikramaditya (Brave as the Sun) is a modified former Kiev class aviation cruiser. Vessel was originally known as Baku and later renamed to Admiral Gorshkov. This ship was commissioned in 1987, however after collapse of the Soviet Union, it was inactive since 1991.

   In 2004 an agreement was signed with Russia for the sale of this ship to India. Agreement included refit in Russian shipyard, purchase of aircraft and weapon systems, pilots training, delivery of simulators and spare parts.

   The Vikramaditya is expected to be commissioned and transferred to the Indian Navy by 2012. It will replace the ageing Viraat aircraft carrier.

   The ship was extensively refitted at Sevmash shipyard. The hull was completed and Vikramaditya was launched in 2008. It received a redesigned Kuznetsov-style flight deck, with a ski-jump, built in a newly raised bow.

   Agreement with Russia included the purchase entire wing of 12 MiG-29K carrier-based fighters and 4 twin-seat MiG-29KUB aircraft, with an option for more aircrafts, as well as 6 Ka-31 Helix reconnaissance helicopters. The INS Vikramaditya will also operate Sea Harrier aircraft and HAL Dhruv helicopters. Ship has got hangar and two elevators. Vessel can normally carry 12 - 16 fighters and 4 - 16 helicopters

   The INS Vikramaditya lost some heavy weapons of the Admiral Gorshkov, carried at the bow. Hence it lost guided-missile cruiser's capabilities of the Kiev class. It is unknown, what armament this ship will carry, however it might be a mix of Western, Russian and indigenous systems.

   Propulsion consists of eight boilers and four shaft geared steam turbines. Vessel has a range of 24 500 km at cruising speed.