How a decommissioned Soviet cruiser became the flagship of the Indian Navy
In short: Originally built as the Soviet carrier Baku, this vessel was deactivated in 1996 due to budget constraints. India acquired the ship in 2004, embarking on a massive, decade-long refit to transform the aging cruiser into the modern STOBAR aircraft carrier now known as INS Vikramaditya.
The transformation of the former Admiral Gorshkov into INS Vikramaditya was a complex engineering feat that effectively created a new ship. Originally a hybrid carrier-cruiser, the vessel required extensive structural modifications to function as a pure aircraft carrier. Workers installed 2,500 tons of new steel and 234 new hull sections to accommodate a 14.3-degree ski-jump ramp, enabling short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) operations. The refit involved replacing all original weaponry with advanced sensors and radars capable of maintaining a 500-kilometer surveillance bubble, supported by 2,300 kilometers of new cabling and 3,000 kilometers of new piping.
The project was marked by significant diplomatic and financial friction. Initially intended for delivery in 2008, the timeline slipped to 2013 due to technical hurdles, including an underestimation of cabling needs and a 2012 propulsion failure attributed to poor workmanship. Costs ballooned from the original 2004 agreement to a finalized price of US$2.35 billion by 2010. The process also faced controversy, including a 2010 scandal involving a senior officer and concerns from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India regarding the vessel's limited lifespan compared to a new build.
Despite these challenges, the ship represents a major leap in Indian maritime capability. Commissioned in November 2013, the carrier can accommodate up to 34 aircraft, primarily the MiG-29K fighter. Its operational debut included historic dual-carrier exercises with INS Viraat and later with the indigenous INS Vikrant. Beyond its military utility, the ship serves as a floating city, featuring modern amenities like reverse osmosis water plants and even an onboard ATM, signaling its role as a long-term centerpiece of the Indian Navy's fleet.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: INS Vikramaditya
- Also: Wikidata — INS Vikramaditya · CC0
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