The contract for repair and modernization of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov (renamed into INS Vikramaditya ) for Indian Navy is being executed up to schedule, said Anastasia Nikitinskaya, the press secretary of Sevmash Shipyard .
“ As was earlier planned, sea trials will start in May 2012 “, Nikitinskaya told Interfax .
According to her, the shipyard began preparations for the carrier’s sea trials. “Prior to that, all shipborne systems will be degaussed in April” , added Nikitinskaya.
As was reported earlier on, the modernization contract for aircraft carrying cruiser Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Gorshkov was tied with India in 2004. The contract provided allocation of $974 mln for the ship’s reconstruction and upgrading, and $530 mln for delivery of 16 deck-based fighters MiG-29K , ASW helicopters Ka-27 , and radar picket helicopters Ka-31 .
In Jan 2007 India suspended contract payments. In Nov that year Russia raised a question of additional financing needed.
After Russian president’s visit to India in Dec 2008, Indian governmental committee for defense approbated beginning of negotiations on new price for the cruiser’s modernization. At present, the contract cost is unofficially evaluated as $2.3 bln.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, March 2, 2012; Image: IndianNavy