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| Vikramaditya (aircraft carrier) | |
|---|---|
| Ship name | INS Vikramaditya |
| Caption | INS Vikramaditya underway in 2014 |
| Ship country | India |
| Ship owner | Indian Navy |
| Ship operator | Indian Navy |
| Ship acquired | 2013 |
| Ship launched | 1982 (as Baku) |
| Ship commissioned | 16 November 2013 |
| Ship length | 284 m |
| Ship beam | 60 m (flight deck) |
| Ship propulsion | Steam turbines |
| Ship speed | 30 kn |
| Ship capacity | ~36 aircraft |
Vikramaditya (aircraft carrier) is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier originally built for the Soviet Navy as Baku and later named Admiral Gorshkov. Purchased and extensively rebuilt for the Indian Navy, she was commissioned in 2013 to serve as the flagship alongside INS Vikrant. The carrier has played a central role in India's Indian Ocean maritime posture, contributing to Indian naval aviation capabilities, regional diplomacy, and force projection.
INS Vikramaditya entered service after a protracted acquisition and refit process involving Soviet Union, Russia, and India agreements. The conversion transformed a Soviet Navy cruiser-carrier into a STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) platform compatible with MiG-29K fighters and Kamov helicopters. As a capital ship of the Indian Navy, Vikramaditya complements other assets such as INS Vikrant, Kolkata-class destroyer, and Arihant-class submarine in power projection, humanitarian assistance, and multinational exercises like Exercise Malabar and Exercise Varuna.
Originally designed as a Kiev-class aircraft cruiser laid down in the Soviet Union during the late Cold War, the hull incorporated a heavy cruiser structure with carrier facilities. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the vessel—renamed Admiral Gorshkov—remained incomplete until India signed a deal with Rosoboronexport and Sevmash to purchase and convert her. The conversion work at Baltic Shipyard and Sevmash replaced original P-500 Bazalt/SS-N-12 Sandbox missile stowage with aviation support, added a ski-jump, modernized propulsion, installed Soviet/Russian and Western avionics suites, and refurbished living quarters to Indian standards. The design modifications sought interoperability with MiG-29K, Kamov Ka-31, and support for naval aviation operations, while conforming to Indian Navy doctrine and logistical chains.
After sea trials in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, Vikramaditya sailed to India via the Suez Canal and was commissioned at Karwar on 16 November 2013. Since commissioning, the carrier participated in fleet reviews, Indian Navy exercises, and international engagements including port calls to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Australia, and France for joint activities. Vikramaditya has been deployed for carrier battle group operations, maritime security patrols in the Indian Ocean Region, and humanitarian assistance missions during natural disasters, working alongside assets like INS Kolkata, INS Shivalik, and INS Brahmaputra. The ship has also been central to carrier aviation training, hosting detachments from Indian Naval Air Arm and participating in multinational exercises including RIMPAC-style interactions.
Originally fitted with heavy surface-to-surface missiles, the conversion removed large anti-ship missile batteries to make room for an air wing and aviation facilities. Vikramaditya's defensive armament includes AK-630 close-in weapon systems and Kashtan CIWS-derived systems initially, supplemented by modern Barak 1 point-defense missiles and decoy launchers integrated with combat management systems. Sensor suites combine Fregat-class air search radars, navigation radars, electronic support measures from Radioelectronic Intelligence vendors, and modernized fire-control radars to coordinate aircraft operations and self-defense. Integration of Russian combat systems with Indian command networks required extensive systems engineering between Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russian suppliers.
Vikramaditya operates a mixed air wing optimized for STOBAR operations: primary fixed-wing assets are MiG-29K multirole fighters, supported by rotary-wing platforms including Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters and Westland Sea King/HAL Dhruv-type helicopters for anti-submarine and search-and-rescue roles. The carrier's flight deck and hangar arrangements accommodate up to approximately 36 aircraft in various mixes; embarked air groups have included squadrons from INAS 303 and INAS 300 with intensive deck cycle operations during Indian Navy carrier qualifications. The integration of airborne early warning, anti-submarine warfare, and strike capabilities makes Vikramaditya a centerpiece for carrier strike group doctrine in the Indian Ocean Region.
Vikramaditya has undergone periodic maintenance and mid-life upgrades coordinated by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Russian shipyards, covering steam turbine overhauls, deck refurbishment, replacement of dated electronics, and fatigue inspections. Upgrades have targeted aviation facilities, arrestor gear, catapult alternatives, and integration of improved communication suites to interface with Indian Navy tactical networks and Integrated Defence Staff systems. Continuous logistics support involves spares procurement from United Aircraft Corporation and collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for aircraft compatibility, while overhaul cycles align with Indian Navy maintenance doctrine and asset availability schedules.
The acquisition and refit generated controversies over delays, cost overruns, and technical deficiencies reported during trials, drawing scrutiny from Comptroller and Auditor General of India audits and parliamentary committees. Safety incidents during sea trials and initial operations prompted investigations involving Russian suppliers and Indian Navy inspectors, with disputes over warranty remedies, maintenance liabilities, and contractual penalties. Political debates in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha addressed procurement transparency, while media coverage and think tanks examined implications for Make in India defense procurement policy and India–Russia strategic ties.
Category:Aircraft carriers of India Category:Ships built in the Soviet Union Category:Kiev-class aircraft carriers