Question : INS VIKRAMADITYA

(a) whether INS Vikramaditya (Admiral Gorshkov) was commissioned at the Sevmash Shipyard in northern Arctic recently;

(b) if so, the details of the delay in its commissioning;

(c) the reasons for such delay and cost escalation borne by the Government due to delay in its commissioning;

(d) whether INS Vikramaditya will enhance the Navy’s reach and capability and reinforce operational capabilities of Indian Navy; and

(e) if so, the features of the INS Vikramaditya and the extent to which it will enhance operational capabilities of Indian Navy?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) to (c): Yes, Madam. INS Vikramaditya was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Severodvinsk, Russia on 16th November 2013 against the scheduled delivery in August 2008 and revised delivery scheduled in December 2012. During the sea trials between June – September 2012, certain defects were observed. After repair of these defects and subsequent trials, the ship has been commissioned into the Indian Navy on 16th November 2013. However, the delay in delivery / commissioning of the ship has not resulted in any increase in the revised approved Project cost, which was necessitated due to increase in scope of work, modernisation work and detailed definition of scope of trials etc.

(d) Yes, Madam.

(e) Integral maritime air power is a unique feature / capability of a naval aircraft carrier. With the span of Indian Maritime interests extending across the Indian Ocean, integral air power is, therefore, a substantial contributor for credible naval capability.