INS Vikramaditya
The carrier that gave India two decks.
About the Vikramaditya
INS Vikramaditya is a conventionally powered STOBAR aircraft carrier currently serving as the flagship of the Indian Navy. It is a modified Kiev class aircraft cruiser purchased from Russia and entered into service in 2013. Originally built as Baku and commissioned in 1987, the carrier served with the Soviet Navy and later with the Russian Navy (as Admiral Gorshkov) before being decommissioned in 1996.
Service history
Laid down as the Soviet Baku and later Admiral Gorshkov, the ship was offered to India free in 2004 on condition it paid for a refit — a bargain that ballooned from $974 million to $2.35 billion as the scope grew to a near-total rebuild. Her ski-jump bow and 1,750 refitted compartments were delivered in 2013, giving the Navy a second carrier alongside the ageing Viraat.
Commissioned hulls
| Name | Pennant | Commissioned | Builder |
|---|---|---|---|
| INS Vikramaditya | R33 | 2013 | Sevmash, Russia |
Combat edge
Air wing of up to 26 MiG-29K and 10 helicopters
STOBAR launch over a 14-degree ski jump
Rebuilt almost entirely during the Sevmash refit
Flagship of the Western Fleet