The Remarkable Story of INS Vikramaditya: From Soviet Glory to Indian Naval Power
As China continues to strengthen its naval capabilities, challenging both India and the United States, India has been steadily enhancing its maritime strength. In recent years, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has focused on fortifying its navy to counter increasing Chinese dominance in the Indian Ocean.
Currently, India possesses two aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Among these, the journey of INS Vikramaditya joining the Indian Navy is nothing short of a remarkable tale, almost like a modern legend.
The Remarkable Story of INS Vikramaditya: From Soviet Glory to Indian Naval Power
The Soviet Origins of INS Vikramaditya
INS Vikramaditya, originally a Soviet-era aircraft carrier, was first commissioned as the Baku in 1987 for the Soviet Navy. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a change in ownership, with the carrier being transferred to the Russian Navy. The vessel was subsequently renamed Admiral Gorshkov, in honor of the legendary Russian naval commander.
Despite being a powerful vessel, Admiral Gorshkov was retired in 1996 as part of Russia’s efforts to reduce its naval expenditure following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This is where India stepped in.
India Acquires the Mighty Aircraft Carrier
The retirement of Admiral Gorshkov caught the attention of India, which was looking to bolster its naval strength. Negotiations between New Delhi and Moscow began, and after extensive discussions, India acquired the vessel on January 20, 2004. Though the initial cost of the aircraft carrier was highly debated, India eventually got it almost for free, with refurbishment costs adding up to approximately $800 million. An additional $1 billion was invested in equipping the carrier with advanced fighter jets and weapons systems.
The Transformation and Induction of INS Vikramaditya
Following the acquisition, INS Vikramaditya underwent extensive repairs and upgrades in a Russian shipyard. The modifications were significant, turning the former Soviet vessel into a formidable aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy. After successful sea trials, the carrier was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 16, 2013, in a grand ceremony held in Severodvinsk, Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the carrier to the Indian Navy on June 14, 2014.
The Capabilities of INS Vikramaditya
INS Vikramaditya, a Kiev-class carrier, offers a variety of features that make it a critical asset for India’s defense. Unlike lighter carriers, it can host larger fighter jets as it does not require the folding of wings, allowing larger aircraft to operate seamlessly from its deck.
One of the key highlights of INS Vikramaditya is its MiG-29K fighter jets, which were part of the deal with Russia. The carrier received 12 single-seat MiG-29K Fulcrum-D jets and several dual-seat MiG-29KUB fighter jets. In addition, it is equipped with six Russian-made Kamov Ka-31 helicopters, specially designed for anti-submarine warfare.
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The ship’s formidable defense systems include torpedo tubes, missile systems, and guns capable of neutralizing enemy ships. Russia also provided the necessary training to Indian naval personnel, ensuring they could efficiently operate the vessel and maintain its advanced systems.
INS Vikramaditya’s Role in Strengthening India’s Navy
Prior to the induction of INS Vikramaditya, the Indian Navy relied on the light aircraft carrier INS Viraat, which was slated for retirement in 2010. However, due to the delay in acquiring Vikramaditya, the Navy extended the operational life of INS Viraat until 2017.
Meanwhile, India also commissioned the construction of its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in 2004 at Cochin Shipyard Limited. INS Vikrant, which joined the Indian Navy on September 2, 2022, is a significant achievement for India’s naval engineering. It boasts advanced features, with a total cost of ₹23,000 crore, and requires a crew of 1,700 sailors. The carrier can host 26 Rafale M fighter jets, along with Ka-31, Dhruv, and MH-60 helicopters.
Future Plans: INS Vishal
India is not stopping at two aircraft carriers. The Ministry of Defence has plans to construct a third aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, which will be even more advanced than INS Vikrant. This new carrier is expected to further solidify India’s naval supremacy in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
INS Vikramaditya’s journey from being a Soviet-era warship to becoming the flagship of the Indian Navy is a testament to India’s growing maritime strength. As India continues to enhance its naval power, the induction of aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant serves as a strong deterrent against regional threats and ensures the protection of India’s maritime interests.
