PTI, New Delhi: India on Tuesday struck a deal with Russia for acquisition of the much talked-about 44,500 tonne aircraft carrier “Admiral Gorshkov” at a cost of Rs 3,000 crores, ending months of protracted negotiations.
Announcing this, Navac chief Admiral Madhvendera Singh said the warship, armed with a squadron of MiG-29k fighters, would be almost 70 per cent new and be ready to be inducted in four and half years time
“We have successfully concluded the price neogtiations and the deal had been put forward to Government for investment decision as a composite package along with MiG-29K,” Singh addressing a news conference said.
The deal will be signed later this month during the visit of the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov. The Naval Chief, however, refused to confirm or deny whether the overall package deal included India getting on lease two Russian Akula class nuclear submarines and nuclear capable TU-22M long-range maritime bombers.
“Acquisition of Gorshkov would change the scene in the area,” the Naval Chief said. He said it would make India capable of power projection and give the navy for the first time capability to take on even shore-based airforce fighters.
Speaking on the eve of Navy Day celebrations falling on December 4, the Naval Chief also outlined that the Defence acquisition council had approved the Navy's ten-year plan to acquire 23 more warships, including an indigenous Air Defence warship.
