INS Vikramaditya

{{further|Soviet aircraft carrier Baku}}

Baku entered service in 1987, renamed Admiral Gorshkov in 1991, but was deactivated in 1996 because she was too expensive to operate on a post-Cold War budget. This attracted the attention of India, which was looking for a way to expand its carrier aviation capabilities.{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/articles/20100603.aspx |title=Naval Air: Go For Gorshkov |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=3 June 2010 |access-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616183146/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/articles/20100603.aspx |archive-date=16 June 2011 }} On 20 January 2004, after years of negotiations, Russia and India signed a deal for the sale of the ship. The ship would be free, while India would pay US$800 million for the upgrade and refit of the vessel and an additional US$1 billion for the aircraft and weapons systems. The navy looked at equipping the carrier with the E-2C Hawkeye, but decided not to.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiadefence.com/Aero%202005.htm|title=WHAT'S HOT? ANALYSIS OF RECENT HAPPENINGS – Aero India 2005 – Naval Interests – An IDC Report|website=IndiaDefence.com|date=9 February 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201002012/http://www.indiadefence.com/Aero%202005.htm |archive-date=1 February 2009 }} In 2009, Northrop Grumman offered the advanced E-2D Hawkeye to the Indian Navy.{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=aerospacedaily&id=news/INDIA090209.xml |title=Indian Navy Mulls Northrop Advanced Hawkeye |publisher=Aviationweek.com |date=2 September 2009 |access-date=7 March 2011 |archive-date=21 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321164534/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=aerospacedaily&id=news/INDIA090209.xml |url-status=dead }}

The deal also included the purchase of 12 single-seat Mikoyan MiG-29K "Fulcrum-D" (Product 9.41) and four dual-seat MiG-29KUB aircraft (with an option for 14 more aircraft) at US$1 billion, six Kamov Ka-31 "Helix" reconnaissance and antisubmarine helicopters, torpedo tubes, missile systems, and artillery units. Facilities and procedures for training pilots and technical staff, delivery of simulators, spare parts, and establishment maintenance on Indian Navy facilities were also part of the contract.

The upgrade involved stripping all the weaponry and missile launcher tubes from the ship's foredeck to make way for a "short take-off but arrested recovery" (STOBAR) configuration,[http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/showphoto.php/photo/21097 Defence Talk] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325104000/http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/showphoto.php/photo/21097 |date=25 March 2008 }} – Pictures of the Gorshkov being worked on in dry docks converting the Gorshkov from a hybrid carrier/cruiser to a pure carrier.

File:Two aircraft carriers in the closed city of Severomorsk.jpg aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in the port of Severomorsk in 2012]]

The announced delivery date for INS Vikramaditya was August 2008, allowing the carrier to enter service just as the Indian Navy's only light carrier INS Viraat retired. While Viraat's retirement had been pushed out to 2010–2012,[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/ins-vikramaditya-may-hit-delay-cost-increases-03283/ Defense Industry Daily] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125170657/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/ins-vikramaditya-may-hit-delay-cost-increases-03283/ |date=25 January 2013 }} INS Vikramaditya Hits Delay, Cost Increases she underwent a final refit, enabling her to serve through 2016.{{cite news | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/major-repairs-for-the-ins-viraat-its-replacement-delayed-again-by-russia-339905 | work=NDTV | title=Major repairs for the INS Viraat, its replacement delayed again by Russia | date=8 March 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112045619/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/major-repairs-for-the-ins-viraat-its-replacement-delayed-again-by-russia-339905 | archive-date=12 November 2014 | df=dmy-all }}

The delay issues were compounded by ongoing cost overruns, leading to high-level diplomatic exchanges. India finally agreed to pay an additional US$1.2-1.5 billion for the project, doubling the original cost.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBVtP1roIPA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/PBVtP1roIPA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=India to pay more for Gorshkov|publisher=NDTV|date=25 February 2008|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite news |date=2008-01-09 |title=India, Russia yet to reach breakthrough on Gorshkov |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-russia-yet-to-reach-breakthrough-on-gorshkov/articleshow/2686282.cms |access-date=2025-02-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} However, ongoing difficulty with Vikramaditya's delivery schedule pushed the expected delivery to 2013. Also, the indigenous Vikrant-class aircraft carrier was delayed by at least a year and was expected to be commissioned in 2013 from the proposed 2012.{{cite news |last=Anandan|first=S. |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/29/stories/2008092955681400.htm |title=Keel-laying of indigenous aircraft carrier in December |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=7 March 2011 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725081847/http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/29/stories/2008092955681400.htm |work=The Hindu|archive-date=25 July 2010 }}

In July 2008, Russia reportedly needed to increase the price by about US$2 billion, blaming unexpected cost overruns on the deteriorated condition of the ship and citing a "market price" for a new midsized carrier of US$3–4 bn.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} India had paid US$400 million as of November 2008. However, Russia threatened to cancel the deal entirely if India did not pay the increased amount.{{cite book|title=Pratiyogita Darpan|date=January 2009|page=PD/January/2009/1140}} In December 2008, government sources in India stated that the Cabinet Committee on Security had finally decided in favour of purchasing Admiral Gorshkov as the best option available.{{cite news|last=Gupta |first=Shishir |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/gorshkov-medvedev-on-his-way-centre-okays-price-renegotiation/393524/ |title=Gorshkov: Medvedev on his way, Centre okays price renegotiation |work=The Indian Express |date=3 December 2008 |access-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429015911/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/gorshkov-medvedev-on-his-way-centre-okays-price-renegotiation/393524/ |archive-date=29 April 2009 }} The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) criticised the fact that Vikramaditya would be a second-hand warship with a limited lifespan, which would be 60% costlier than a new one. Also, a risk existed of further delay in its delivery.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Second-hand-Gorshkov-costlier-than-new-warship-CAG-/articleshow/4817109.cms |work=The Times of India |date=24 July 2009|title='Second-hand' Gorshkov costlier than new warship: CAG |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727021043/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Second-hand-Gorshkov-costlier-than-new-warship-CAG-/articleshow/4817109.cms |archive-date=27 July 2009 }}

The Indian Navy Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, defended the price for the warship, saying, "I can't comment on the CAG. But you all are defence analysts, can you get me an aircraft carrier for less than US$2 billion? If you can, I am going to sign a cheque right now".

The statement from the Chief of Naval Staff at that time indicated that the final deal could be over US$2 billion. When asked about CAG's finding that the navy had not done its risk analysis before going in for the ship, he was quoted as saying, "I can ensure you that there is no such thing. There is no question, we have been looking at the ship since the late '90s."{{cite web|url=http://www.ptinews.com/news/202829_Navy-chief-defends-price-paid-for-Admiral-Gorshkov|title=Site Under Construction|work=ptinews.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802140224/http://www.ptinews.com/news/202829_Navy-chief-defends-price-paid-for-Admiral-Gorshkov|archive-date=2 August 2009}}

On 7 December 2009, Russian sources indicated that final terms had been agreed on, but no delivery date was set.{{cite news |last=Dyomkin |first=Denis |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-44530420091207 |title=Russia agrees carrier delivery terms with India |work=Reuters |date=7 December 2009 |access-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904013755/http://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-44530420091207 |archive-date=4 September 2017 }} On 8 December 2009, India and Russia were reported to have ended the stalemate over Admiral Gorshkov price deal by agreeing on a price of US$2.2 billion. Moscow asked for US$2.9 billion for the aircraft carrier, nearly three times the amount originally agreed upon between the two sides in 2004. New Delhi, though, wanted the price to be scaled back to US$2.1 billion.{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-08/india/28100512_1_admiral-gorshkov-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya | title=India, Russia end stalemate over Gorshkov price deal | date=8 December 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html | archive-date=28 February 2017 | work=The Times of India | df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/usd-2.2billion/551431/ |title=India, Russia end stalemate over Gorshkov's price deal |work=Indianexpress|date=8 December 2009 |access-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212154408/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/usd-2.2billion/551431/ |archive-date=12 December 2009 }} Both governments finalised the price of Admiral Gorshkov at US$2.35 billion on 10 March, a day ahead of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India.

In April 2010, a scandal over the project emerged when it was announced that a senior Indian Navy officer had probably been blackmailed to influence the negotiations over the cost of Admiral Gorshkov to India.{{cite news |first = Sujan |last = Dutta |url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100416/jsp/nation/story_12344802.jsp |title = Speedy probe into navy 'honey trap' – Panel hands in report on commodore |publisher = telegraphindia.com |date = 16 April 2010 |location = Calcutta, India |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111128215306/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100416/jsp/nation/story_12344802.jsp |archive-date = 28 November 2011 }} Commodore Sukhjinder Singh had been a senior figure supervising the refit of the carrier, working as the principal director for the project. "Photographs showing him in intimate situations with women" allegedly taken during his 3-year overseas service in Russia were mailed to Navy headquarters in a CD. Several photos were later leaked to the Indian press. He was discharged from service due to this incident.{{cite web |url = http://www.sify.com/news/senior-navy-officer-to-be-sacked-for-sexual-misconduct-news-national-lcft4ihfbeb.html |title = Senior navy officer to be sacked for sexual misconduct |website = Sify News |date = 5 February 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121022004408/http://www.sify.com/news/senior-navy-officer-to-be-sacked-for-sexual-misconduct-news-national-lcft4ihfbeb.html |archive-date = 22 October 2012 }}

File:INS Vikramaditya during trials.jpg

The hull work was completed by 2008,{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/18/stories/2008101851791800.htm |title=Repair of Gorshkov's hull completed |date=18 October 2008 |access-date=7 March 2011 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916055036/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/18/stories/2008101851791800.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=16 September 2011 }} and Vikramaditya was launched on 4 December 2008.{{cite web | title=Russian Carrier Conversion Moves Forward | date=8 December 2008 | author=Christopher P. Cavas | url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3854813&c=SEA&s=TOP | access-date=10 December 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html | archive-date=28 February 2017 | df=dmy-all }} Around 99% of the structural work and almost 50% of the cabling work had been completed by June 2010. Nearly all of the large equipment, including engines and diesel generators, was installed.{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Gorshkov-to-be-handed-over-to-India-by-Dec-12/articleshow/5995560.cms | title=Gorshkov to be handed over to India by Dec '12 | date=1 June 2010 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html | archive-date=28 February 2017 | work=The Times of India | df=dmy-all }} A naval MiG-29K prototype aircraft was used to test the deck systems of Vikramaditya in 2010.{{cite web |last=Fish|first=Tim|url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jni/jni100622_1_n.shtml |title=Indian carrier's deck systems tested with MiG-29K prototype |publisher=Janes.com |date=22 June 2010 |access-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626114352/http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jni/jni100622_1_n.shtml |archive-date=26 June 2010 }}

All reconfiguration work was completed at Severodvinsk, Russia, but it was delayed by three years due to an underestimation of the amount of cabling needed.{{cite web |url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/772agroh.asp |title=The U.S. tries to shut Russia out of India's defense market |publisher=Weeklystandard.com |date=21 February 2008 |access-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html |archive-date=28 February 2017 }} An expert-level discussion on technical and financial matters was held between India and Russia to resolve the issues.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/5F699B9C1D1C7972652573F600543C3B?OpenDocument|title=Only few technical, financial issues pending on Gorshkov deal}}{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The MiG-29K entered operational service with India in February 2010. A compromise was finalised, and India was to pay an extra undisclosed amount. Russia was to install new systems instead of repairing the old ones.{{cite web |author=(AFP) – 27 February 2008 |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g02hyHGJx4dNFNV270sFKxBNtH4Q |title=India, Russia end spat over Soviet-era aircraft carrier |date=27 February 2008 |access-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520122327/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g02hyHGJx4dNFNV270sFKxBNtH4Q |archive-date=20 May 2011 }}

On 1 June 2010, The Times of India reported a naval officer saying: "With India earlier this year agreeing to the revised refit cost of $2.33 billion for Gorshkov after three years of bitter wrangling since the earlier agreement signed in January 2004 had earmarked only $974 million for it, Russia has appointed a high-level apex committee to oversee the work on the carrier". The ship was to go for harbour trials by early 2011 to ensure she could be handed over to India by around December 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=1062 |title=Defence News – Indian Aircraft Carrier in Barents Sea Trials |publisher=Defencenews.in |access-date=29 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620031413/http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=1062 |archive-date=20 June 2012 }} Dock trials began on 1 March 2011. These trials focused on the main power generation units and the radio-electronic armament systems, manufactured in India.{{cite web |url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/warship-trials-finally-begin/432214.html |title=INS Vikramaditya Trials Finally Begin |date=9 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313064656/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/warship-trials-finally-begin/432214.html |archive-date=13 March 2011 }}{{cite web |title=Russia Postpones Sea Trials for Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov for Next Year |url=http://shipbuildingtribune.com/2011/10/17/russia-prolongs-sea-trials-for-aircraft-carrier-admiral-gorshkov-for-six-months/ |publisher=Shipbuilding Tribune |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030212100/http://shipbuildingtribune.com/2011/10/17/russia-prolongs-sea-trials-for-aircraft-carrier-admiral-gorshkov-for-six-months/ |archive-date=30 October 2011 |date=17 October 2011 |url-status=dead }} Indian Navy personnel began training on Vikramaditya in April 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.brahmand.com/news/Navy-personnel-begin-training-on-Admiral-Gorshkov/6801/1/10.html |title=Navy personnel begin training on Admiral Gorshkov |publisher=Brahmand.com |date=14 April 2011 |access-date=29 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705010921/http://www.brahmand.com/news/Navy-personnel-begin-training-on-Admiral-Gorshkov/6801/1/10.html |archive-date=5 July 2012 }} On 19 April 2012, it was announced that all internal systems were functioning, and the ship was entirely self-contained. The ship's magnetic field and centre of gravity were measured before sea trials began.{{cite web | url=http://shipbuildingtribune.com/2012/04/19/russia-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya-becomes-entirely-self-contained/ | title=Russia: Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya Becomes Entirely Self-Contained | date=19 April 2012 | access-date=21 April 2012 | publisher=Shipbuilding Tribune | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016044405/http://shipbuildingtribune.com/2012/04/19/russia-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya-becomes-entirely-self-contained/ | archive-date=16 October 2013 | df=dmy-all }}

File:Vikramaditya 7.jpg cruise missile launchers and the four sets of 3K95 Kinzhal surface-to-air missile launchers, to make way for a 14.3° bow ski jump.]]

As completed, Vikramaditya has a larger full load displacement than when the ship was originally launched in 1982 as Baku; 1,750 out of 2,500 compartments of the vessel were refabricated, and extensive recabling was done to support new radars and sensors. The elevators were upgraded, and two restraining stands were fitted, allowing combat aircraft to reach full power before making a ski jump-assisted short take-off. Three arresting gears were fitted on the aft of the angled deck, and navigation and carrier-landing aids were added to support fixed-wing "short take-off but arrested recovery" (STOBAR) operations.{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/r-vikramaditya.htm |title=R Vikramaditya [ex-Gorshkov] |website=GlobalSecurity.org |access-date=7 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228050411/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/r-vikramaditya.htm |archive-date=28 December 2010 }}{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya – Game changer|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/efeatures.aspx?relid=100649|access-date=16 June 2014|publisher=PIB|date=17 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206062349/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/efeatures.aspx?relid=100649|archive-date=6 December 2013}}

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The major modifications were to allow Admiral Gorshkov to operate as a STOBAR aircraft carrier in Indian service, as opposed to the STOVL configuration the ship was built as. This involved removal of all the armament, including the P-500 Bazalt cruise missile launchers and the four Antey Kinzhal surface-to-air missile bins fitted on the ship's bow, to make way for a 14.3°, full-width ski-jump. The 20-ton capacity aircraft lift beside the ship's island superstructure was unchanged, but the aft lift was enlarged, and its lift capacity increased to 30 tons. For STOBAR operations, three 30 m arrestor wires and three restraining gears on the stern of the angled deck were equipped. Sponsons were installed to increase flight deck area, allow the ski-jump to be fitted, for strengthening of arresting gear and runway area, and to lengthen the after end, which allowed an increase to the length of the landing strip aft of the arresting gear. 234 new hull sections were installed to achieve the desired shape, and the total steel added to carry out these modifications amounted to 2500 tons.

The superstructure profile was designed to accommodate the fixed phased array scanners of the Soviet Navy's Mars-Passat 3D air search radar system, along with extensive command and control facilities to conduct an aerial campaign. Extensive revamp of sensors was carried out, with long-range air-surveillance radars and advanced electronic warfare suites fitted, which enable the maintenance of a surveillance bubble of over 500 km around the ship. An aft mast was installed to accommodate various communication antennae. These changes needed 2,300 km of new cables and 3,000 km of new pipes.{{cite news|title=Navy to get refurbished Vikramaditya tomorrow|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-to-get-refurbished-vikramaditya-tomorrow/article5350931.ece|access-date=16 June 2014|work=The Hindu|date=15 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428131444/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-to-get-refurbished-vikramaditya-tomorrow/article5350931.ece|archive-date=28 April 2014}}

The eight original boilers were replaced by new generation, high-pressure boilers, converted to take diesel fuel utilising LSHSD (→ Low Sulphur High Speed Diesel) instead of furnace fuel oil, each providing a steam capacity of 100 tonnes per hour.{{cite news|title='Vikramaditya' to be Commissioned on 16 Nov 13|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/vikramaditya-be-commissioned-16-nov-13|access-date=17 November 2013|newspaper=Indian Navy|date=16 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120004906/http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/vikramaditya-be-commissioned-16-nov-13|archive-date=20 November 2013}} The new boilers are highly efficient and have high levels of automation. They power four propellers in a four-shaft configuration, producing a total thrust of {{convert|180000|hp|kW|0}} at the shaft, providing a top speed of over 30 knots. Six turbo alternators and six diesel alternators generate 18 MW of electricity to power various equipment. Modern oil-water separators, as well as a sewage treatment plant, were incorporated to meet international standards. Six new Finnish Wärtsilä 1.5 MW diesel generators, a Global Marine communications system, Sperry Bridgemaster navigation radar, a new telephone exchange, new data link and an IFF Mk XI system were added. Residential services were improved with the addition of two reverse osmosis plants producing 400 tons of fresh water per day, as well as updated refrigeration and air conditioning. A new galley was installed with improved domestic services and accommodation for 10 female officers.{{cite news|title=Prime Minister's Day at Sea|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/prime-ministers-day-sea|access-date=17 June 2014|publisher=Indian Navy|date=16 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630073401/http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/prime-ministers-day-sea|archive-date=30 June 2014}}

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The combat systems on board the carrier are controlled by LESORUB-E, the computer-aided action information system. It gathers data from the ship's sensors and data links and creates comprehensive situational awareness. The CCS Mk II communication complex is installed for external communications and the Link II tactical data system enables integration into the Indian Navy's network-centric operations. Modern launch and recovery systems are installed for handling different aircraft – the LUNA landing system for MiG-29Ks and the DAPS Landing system for Sea Harriers. The Resistor-E automated air-traffic control system has been installed, which assists with approach, landing and short-range navigation down to a distance of 30 metres short of the flight deck to the pilots. Along with various other sub-systems, it provides navigation and flight data to ship-borne aircraft operating at long distances from the carrier.

When delivered, Vikramaditya had yet to be fitted with any onboard armament, leaving her dependent on her battle group for self-defence. Gun and missile-based (Barak 1 or Shtil-1) CIWS was reported to be introduced during a short refit in Karwar in April–June 2015. The short range missile systems would be replaced by LR-SAM (32 to 48 missiles) post completion of its development.{{cite web |date=4 December 2014 |title=INS Vikramaditya yet to be fitted with close-in weapon system |url=http://defenceradar.com/2014/12/04/ins-vikramaditya-yet-to-be-fitted-with-close-in-weapon-system/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205205701/http://defenceradar.com/2014/12/04/ins-vikramaditya-yet-to-be-fitted-with-close-in-weapon-system/ |archive-date=5 December 2014}}{{cite news |date=16 June 2014 |title=Close-In Warfare System on INS Vikramaditya next year |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140616/main6.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620231317/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140616/main6.htm |archive-date=20 June 2014 |access-date=16 June 2014 |work=The Tribune}}{{cite web |title=INS Vikramaditya won't have air defence system for now |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/ins-vikramaditya-wont-have-air-defence-system-for-now/1150500/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426214656/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/ins-vikramaditya-wont-have-air-defence-system-for-now/1150500/ |archive-date=26 April 2014 |work=indianexpress.com}} The aircraft carrier was fitted with Barak 1 missile system from the decommissioned {{INS|Godavari|F20|6}} during a short refit in Karwar after a year-long operational deployment. Earlier the ship was equipped with four AK-630 CIWS systems.{{Cite news |date=2015-04-17 |title=INS Vikramaditya to get its own missile shield soon |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/INS-Vikramaditya-to-get-its-own-missile-shield-soon/articleshow/46952999.cms |access-date=2025-02-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite news |date=2015-11-28 |title=Gen Next missile defence shield built by Israel and India clears first hurdle |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Gen-Next-missile-defence-shield-built-by-Israel-and-India-clears-first-hurdle/articleshow/49955127.cms |access-date=2025-02-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} As of 2022, the LR-SAM system has not been installed and the ship is equipped with 3 Barak in 2×4 VLS configuration, a total of 24 missiles.{{Cite web |last=Boguslavsky |first=Eyal |date=2022-09-04 |title=Indian Navy flagship successfully launches Israreli Barak 1 missile {{!}} Israel Defense |url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/55682 |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=Israel Defense |language=en}}{{cite twitter |number=1564924468253757440 |user=DefenceDecode |title=Indian navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya test firing Barak 1 surface-to-air missile (SAM) |date=2022-08-31 |access-date=2025-02-15}}

The official expected life span of the ship is 40 years, and she is unlikely to require any major repair work for at least a decade.{{cite news|last=Aroor|first=Shiv|title=INS Vikramaditya joins Indian Navy: Shiv Aroor on why India is relieved that the battleship is finally here|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ins-vikramaditya-india-relieved-indian-navy-russia-shiv-aroor/1/325188.html|access-date=17 November 2013|work=India Today|date=17 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117095626/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ins-vikramaditya-india-relieved-indian-navy-russia-shiv-aroor/1/325188.html|archive-date=17 November 2013}} Over 70% of the vessel and her equipment is new, and the remainder has been refurbished. Sevmash Shipyard, which upgraded the carrier, will provide warranty servicing, including maintenance for the next 20 years.{{cite news|title=Sevmash chosen for INS Vikramaditya post-warranty servicing|url=http://indrus.in/economics/2014/03/13/sevmash_chosen_for_ins_vikramaditya_post-warranty_servicing_33707.html|access-date=16 March 2014|newspaper=Russia & India Report|date=13 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}}

The Carrier Battle Group (CBG) led by INS Vikramaditya includes Kolkata-class destroyers, Talwar-class frigates and INS Deepak among others.{{Cite web |last=Bose |first=Mrityunjay |title=Indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant joins Western Fleet |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-joins-western-fleet-3199604 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Deshpande |first=Smruti |date=2024-09-20 |title=Indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant joins Navy's Western Fleet, ready for deployment |url=https://theprint.in/defence/indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-joins-navys-western-fleet-ready-for-deployment/2276640/ |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}{{Cite tweet |number=1837044775918117070 |user=IN_WNC |title=#INSVikrant, India's indigenous aircraft carrier, joined the @IN_WesternFleet, in a significant enhancement to the maritime power and reach of the #IndianNavy's 'Sword Arm'... |date=2024-09-20 |access-date=2024-09-21}}

File:Tropex 2017.jpg

Vikramaditya has been designed as a STOBAR carrier capable of operating both conventional fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, with up to 34 aircraft capable of being accommodated. Its primary embarked aircraft type is the Mikoyan MiG-29K, a navalised version of the Mikoyan MiG-29M. The MiG-29K is an advanced, all-weather multi-role fighter capable of undertaking both the fleet air defence, low-level strike and anti-shipping roles. The primary ASW platform is the venerable Westland Sea King, while the Kamov Ka-31 undertakes AEW. Carriage ranges given for the ship seem to converge around 16–24 MiG-29K and 10 Kamov Ka-31 or Dhruv helicopters; however, Vikramaditya cannot operate fixed-wing AEW aircraft owing to her configuration as a STOBAR carrier. Utility and plane guard duties are undertaken by the HAL Chetak (or HAL Dhruv).

File:Indian Navy Seaking operations on carrier.jpg|The Westland Sea King is used in the ASW role

File:IN585 Kamov KA.28 Indian Navy (8413501509).jpg|Kamov Ka-31 "Helix" performs the AEW role.

File:A MiG-29K after performing arrested landing on INS Vikramaditya.jpg|The MiG-29K provides both the fleet air defence and strike elements of the air group.

File:LCA Navy maiden landing on INS Vikramaditya.webm|The Tejas makes its first landing aboard Vikramaditya in January 2020

File:Indian Navy flotilla with aircraft carriers Vikramaditya (R33) and Viraat (R22).jpg

File:INS Vikramaditya in Baltic Sea.jpg during sea trials in 2013]]

Russia was scheduled to hand over Vikramaditya to India on 4 December 2012,{{cite web |url=http://navaltoday.com/2012/01/19/russia-to-deliver-ins-vikramaditya-to-india-on-december-2012/ |title=Russia will hand over modernized aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (former Admiral Gorshkov) to India on Dec 4, 2012 |publisher=Navaltoday.com |date=19 January 2012 |access-date=19 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123073017/http://navaltoday.com/2012/01/19/russia-to-deliver-ins-vikramaditya-to-india-on-december-2012/ |archive-date=23 January 2012 }} with sea trials scheduled to begin on 29 May 2012.{{cite web | url=http://shipbuildingtribune.com/2012/03/07/indian-navy-to-take-over-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya-in-december/ | title=Indian Navy to Take Over Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya in December | publisher=shipbuildingtribune.com | date=7 March 2012 | access-date=8 March 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016043204/http://shipbuildingtribune.com/2012/03/07/indian-navy-to-take-over-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya-in-december/ | archive-date=16 October 2013 | df=dmy-all }} The sea trials began on 8 June. The ship sailed out for pre-delivery trials from the berth of the Sevmash shipyard in Russia's northern city of Severodvinsk. These trials were to include landing and take-off of fighter jets from the deck of the carrier.{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3582219.ece| title=INS Vikramaditya undergoing sea trials| date=29 June 2012| location=Chennai, India| work=The Hindu| first=Vinay| last=Kumar| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702074252/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3582219.ece| archive-date=2 July 2012| df=dmy-all}}{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3503982.ece?homepage=true | title=INS Vikramaditya begins sea trials | date=8 June 2012 | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first=Vladimir | last=Radyuhin | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711193250/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3503982.ece?homepage=true | archive-date=11 July 2012 | df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2012-06-15/indias-new-russian-carrier-finally-goes-sea |title=India's New Russian Carrier Finally Goes To Sea |publisher=ainonline.com |date=15 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619000948/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2012-06-15/indias-new-russian-carrier-finally-goes-sea |archive-date=19 June 2012 }}

On 17 September 2012, malfunctions were detected during trials. According to an official report, seven out of eight steam boilers of the propulsion machinery were out of order. Due to this, the deadline to hand over this ship to the Indian Navy was postponed again until October 2013.{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-17/india/33902040_1_ins-vikramaditya-sea-trials-handover |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115123537/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-17/india/33902040_1_ins-vikramaditya-sea-trials-handover |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 January 2013 |work=The Times of India |title=INS Vikramaditya trial malfunctions to delay handover to India |date=17 September 2012 }} Later investigation has determined that the cause of the engine failure was poor workmanship and supervision.[http://strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/20121014.aspx Russia Copes With The Vikramaditya Disaster] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019141934/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/20121014.aspx |date=19 October 2012 }} – Strategypage.com, 14 October 2012 The Gorshkov and other ships of the 1143.4 class had a history of multiple boiler failures;{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} however, Russian shipbuilders claimed that the problem was the low-grade Chinese-made fire bricks bought by the Indian Navy that were used in the boiler insulation instead of asbestos.{{cite news|author=PTI|date=1 February 2013|title=Engine problems in INS Vikramaditya fixed, sea trial to start in June – Economic Times|work=The Economic Times|publisher=Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/engine-problems-in-ins-vikramaditya-fixed-sea-trial-to-start-in-june/articleshow/18293935.cms|url-status=live|access-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016080958/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-02-01/news/36684517_1_nikolayev-south-sea-trials-admiral-gorshkov|archive-date=16 October 2013}}

On 3 July 2013, Igor Sevastyanov, deputy head of Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, announced that the warship had departed for sea trials with a mix of Russian and Indian crew.{{cite news| url=http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130703/182032744/Indian-Carrier-Sails-From-Russia-for-Final-Sea-Trials.html | title=Indian Carrier Sails From Russia for Final Sea Trials | agency=RIA Novosti | date=3 July 2013 | access-date=7 July 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706182820/http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130703/182032744/Indian-Carrier-Sails-From-Russia-for-Final-Sea-Trials.html | archive-date=6 July 2013 | df=dmy-all }} On 28 July 2013, it was reported that Vikramaditya had successfully completed her sea trials and was able to reach her maximum speed of 32 knots. She then proceeded to the White Sea for aviation trials, carried out by Russia's Northern Fleet aviation and completed in September 2013.{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/russia-to-hand-over-ins-vikramaditya-to-india-in-november-113022200328_1.html|title=Russia to hand over INS Vikramaditya to India in November|author=Press Trust of India|date=22 February 2013|work=business-standard.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622112606/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/russia-to-hand-over-ins-vikramaditya-to-india-in-november-113022200328_1.html|archive-date=22 June 2013}} Aircraft and helicopters flew around and over the ship to check the performance of its radar, air defence, communication and control systems, and MiG specialists praised the ski-jump ramp.

The sea trials lasted three months. The carrier's electronic warfare and jamming capability was demonstrated when Sukhoi-33s, Kamovs, MiG-29s and A-50 early warning aircraft failed to "paint" the carrier using their radars, whereas the incoming aircraft were detected by the ship at a distance of {{convert|350|–|400|km}}. In total, the ship sailed for {{convert|19,500|mi|km|order=flip}} during both trials, controlled 778 aircraft and helicopter flights, and conducted 88 landings by Russian pilots. During the second sea trial, she sailed for {{convert|8,600|mi|km|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|1,700|mi|km|order=flip}} were under the command of the ship's Indian captain Commodore Suraj Berry.

During sea trials, a Lockheed P-3 Orion patrol aircraft observed Vikramaditya. While in international waters, it flew close to the ship to take photographs and dropped sonobuoys to record the ship's acoustic signature. The aircraft left the area when a Russian MiG-29 fighter arrived. A Norwegian ship was also seen to observe Vikramaditya.{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ins-vikramaditya-was-spied-upon-by-nato-aircraft-and-ship-last-year/1/325335.html|title=INS Vikramaditya was spied upon by NATO aircraft and ship last year but the matter was hushed up|work=intoday.in|date=18 November 2013 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111174654/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ins-vikramaditya-was-spied-upon-by-nato-aircraft-and-ship-last-year/1/325335.html|archive-date=11 January 2014}}{{dubious|date=January 2022}}

File:Vikramaditya 1.JPG

The ship was formally commissioned on 16 November 2013 at a ceremony held at Severodvinsk, Russia. The ceremony was attended by the Indian defence minister A. K. Antony and the Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin.

File:Indian Navy flotilla of Western Fleet escort INS Vikramaditya (R33) and INS Viraat (R22) in the Arabian Sea.jpg

File:Ships from the Royal Australian Navy, Indian navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the United States Navy participate in Malabar 2020.jpg

File:The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) leads a formation of ships from the Indian Navy, JMSDF and the U.S. Navy July 17, 2017 in the Bay of Bengal as part of Exercise Malabar 2017.jpg in July 2017]]

File:INS Vikrant (R11) and INS Vikramaditya (R33) during joint exercise.jpg|INS Vikramaditya with INS Vikrant during a multi-carrier operations in Arabian Sea

File:INS Vikrant (R11) and INS Vikramaditya (R33) during exercise with their carrier battle group.jpg|Vikramaditya with Vikrant during an exercise with carrier battle group

After commissioning, the carrier began a continuous 26-day journey of {{Convert|10212|nmi||abbr=on}} to its homeport at {{INS|Kadamba}}, Karwar, from Severodvinsk on 27 November 2013, with a short stopover in Lisbon.{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya enters Indian Navy's area of operation|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-vikramaditya-enters-indian-navys-area-of-operation/article5538226.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=4 January 2014|location=Chennai, India|date=4 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104205608/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-vikramaditya-enters-indian-navys-area-of-operation/article5538226.ece|archive-date=4 January 2014}}{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya completes transoceanic voyage, arrives in India|url=http://indrus.in/economics/2014/01/10/ins_vikramaditya_completes_transoceanic_voyage_arrives_in_india_32175.html|access-date=11 January 2014|newspaper=IndRus|date=10 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}} She was under the command of Commodore Suraj Berry, her first Indian captain.{{cite news|title=Commodore Suraj Berry's finest hour|url=http://indrus.in/economics/2013/12/04/commodore_suraj_berrys_finest_hour_31335.html|access-date=8 December 2013|newspaper=IndRus|date=4 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}} Apart from her Indian crew, she also carried 177 Russian specialists from Sevmash, who would remain on board for one year, as part of the 20-year post-warranty services contract with the shipyard. During the journey, she encountered a storm in the Barents Sea, where she linked up with her escorts frigate {{INS|Trikand}} and fleet tanker {{INS|Deepak|A50|6}}.{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya sets sail for India|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-vikramaditya-sets-sail-for-india/article5394676.ece|access-date=8 December 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 November 2013|location=Chennai, India|first=S.|last=Anandan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208154615/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-vikramaditya-sets-sail-for-india/article5394676.ece|archive-date=8 December 2013}} The group was escorted by the Royal Navy frigate {{HMS|Monmouth|F235|6}} while passing through the English Channel{{cite news|title=HMS Monmouth Helps Mammoth Aircraft Carrier Through Channel|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/December/16/131216-HMS-Monmouth-Indian|access-date=22 December 2013|newspaper=Royal Navy|date=16 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221204625/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/December/16/131216-HMS-Monmouth-Indian|archive-date=21 December 2013}} and was joined by destroyer {{INS|Delhi|D61|6}} near Gibraltar.

The flotilla sailed in the Mediterranean Sea, passed through the Suez Canal{{cite news|title=Navy set to get its largest aircraft carrier tomorrow|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/navy-set-to-get-its-largest-aircraft-carrier-tomorrow/1195147/0|access-date=8 December 2013|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=15 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219150310/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/navy-set-to-get-its-largest-aircraft-carrier-tomorrow/1195147/0|archive-date=19 December 2013}}{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya approaches Murmansk for refuelling|url=http://indrus.in/news/2013/12/03/ins_vikramaditya_approaches_murmansk_for_refuelling_31325.html|access-date=8 December 2013|newspaper=IndRus|date=3 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}} and entered the Arabian Sea near the Gulf of Aden on 1 January 2014. She was received nearly {{convert|1200|nmi|}} away from Indian shores by a large flotilla of the Western fleet.{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya to Reach by Mid-January|url=http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=2851|access-date=5 January 2014|newspaper=Defence News|date=5 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106031530/http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=2851|archive-date=6 January 2014}} It was composed of the aircraft carrier {{INS|Viraat}}, two {{sclass|Delhi|destroyer|1}}s, three {{sclass|Talwar|frigate|1}}s, the frigate {{INS|Godavari|F20|6}}, and a couple of offshore patrol vessels, including {{INS|Subhadra|P51|6}}. The event was significant as the Indian Navy operated two aircraft carriers simultaneously for the first time in 20 years.{{cite news|title=India operates two aircraft carriers after 20 years|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140107/news-current-affairs/article/india-operates-two-aircraft-carriers-after-20-years|access-date=7 January 2014|newspaper=The Deccan Chronicle|date=7 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624165008/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140107/news-current-affairs/article/india-operates-two-aircraft-carriers-after-20-years|archive-date=24 June 2014}} After conducting basic sea exercises with the fleet,{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya to sail to Mumbai & Vizag|url=http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=WbV96X08FCE=|access-date=16 January 2014|newspaper=SP Publications|date=16 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602105617/http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=WbV96X08FCE%3D|archive-date=2 June 2015}} Vikramaditya reached Karwar on 7 January 2014.{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya reaches home base in Karwar|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/ins-vikramaditya-reaches-home-base-in-karwar-1327671.html|access-date=7 January 2014|newspaper=First Post|date=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107214048/http://www.firstpost.com/india/ins-vikramaditya-reaches-home-base-in-karwar-1327671.html|archive-date=7 January 2014}}{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya reaches Karnataka port|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ins-vikramaditya-reaches-karnataka-port/1216609/0|access-date=8 January 2014|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=8 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}}{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya reaches Karwar|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/379190/ins-vikramaditya-reaches-karwar.html|access-date=8 January 2014|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=8 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109035158/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/379190/ins-vikramaditya-reaches-karwar.html|archive-date=9 January 2014}}

Navy pilots of INAS 303 "Black Panthers" operating the MiG-29K practised carrier operations at the shore-based test facility (SBTF) in INS Hansa, Dabolim, Vasco-da-Gama. The first aircraft piloted by an Indian Navy pilot landed on the carrier on 8 February 2014.{{cite news|title=First Indian MiG-29K Fighter Jet Lands on Vikramaditya|url=http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=hLEgIi9SGbI%3D|access-date=12 February 2014|newspaper=Defence News, RIA Novosti|date=8 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140208151722/http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=hLEgIi9SGbI=|archive-date=8 February 2014}} Since then, the pilots and air controllers have been certified to operate the MiG-29K fighters from the carrier deck, including night landings. The carrier's air wing will consist of 16 MiG-29Ks, including four KUB trainers, six airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) Kamov Ka-31 and Kamov Ka-28 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.{{cite news|title=Indian Navy chief: Vikramaditya deployed with MiG-29s embarked|url=http://www.janes.com/article/37623/indian-navy-chief-vikramaditya-deployed-with-mig-29s-embarked|access-date=9 May 2014|newspaper=Jane's|date=7 May 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512110934/http://www.janes.com/article/37623/indian-navy-chief-vikramaditya-deployed-with-mig-29s-embarked|archive-date=12 May 2014}}

In May 2014, the carrier was declared operationally deployed along with its embarked air group comprising MiG-29Ks and had taken part in a war game conducted by the Western Naval Command.{{cite news|title=INS Vikramaditya operationally deployed: Navy chief|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-vikramaditya-operationally-deployed-navy-chief/article5985569.ece|access-date=7 May 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 May 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508075722/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-vikramaditya-operationally-deployed-navy-chief/article5985569.ece|archive-date=8 May 2014}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.navhindtimes.in/goa-news/naval-exercises-goa-coast-today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512225658/http://www.navhindtimes.in/goa-news/naval-exercises-goa-coast-today|url-status=dead|title=Naval exercises off Goa coast today|archive-date=12 May 2014}} On 14 June 2014, the Prime Minister of India dedicated the carrier to the country.{{cite news|title=PM Narendra Modi dedicates INS Vikramaditya to nation|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/PM-Narendra-Modi-dedicates-INS-Vikramaditya-to-nation/videoshow/36562915.cms|work=The Times of India|date=14 June 2014|access-date=13 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906071331/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/PM-Narendra-Modi-dedicates-INS-Vikramaditya-to-nation/videoshow/36562915.cms|archive-date=6 September 2015}}

On 21–22 January 2016, Vikramaditya, accompanied by {{INS|Mysore|D60|6}}, made her first overseas port visit when the ship visited Colombo in Sri Lanka, making the first visit of an Indian warship to the city in 30 years, and the first by an aircraft carrier in more than 40 years.{{cite news |last=Ramakrishnan |first=T. |date=21 January 2016 |title=INS Vikramaditya's maiden overseas port call to Colombo |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/ins-vikramadityas-maiden-overseas-port-call-to-colombo/article8135697.ece |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=22 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121175403/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/ins-vikramadityas-maiden-overseas-port-call-to-colombo/article8135697.ece |archive-date=21 January 2016 }}{{Cite web|title = INS Vikramaditya, India's Largest Naval Ship, Arrives in Sri Lanka|url = http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ins-vikramaditya-indias-largest-naval-ship-arrives-in-sri-lanka-1268437|website = NDTV.com|access-date = 14 February 2016|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160224163853/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ins-vikramaditya-indias-largest-naval-ship-arrives-in-sri-lanka-1268437|archive-date = 24 February 2016|df = dmy-all}}

On 15–18 February 2016, Vikramaditya accompanied by two ships, INS Mysore and {{INS|Deepak|A50|6}}, made a goodwill visit to Male, Maldives.{{Cite web|title = HaveeruOnline – Major Indian navy fleet due in Maldives|url = http://www.haveeru.com.mv/news/66357|website = www.haveeru.com.mv|access-date = 14 February 2016|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160213151218/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/news/66357|archive-date = 13 February 2016|df = dmy-all}}{{Cite news|title = With an eye on China, India sends aircraft carrier to Male|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/With-an-eye-on-China-India-sends-aircraft-carrier-to-Male/articleshow/50979688.cms|website = The Times of India| date=14 February 2016 |access-date = 14 February 2016|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160214060210/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/With-an-eye-on-China-India-sends-aircraft-carrier-to-Male/articleshow/50979688.cms|archive-date = 14 February 2016|df = dmy-all}}

A State Bank of India ATM was opened onboard Vikramaditya on 21 January 2017, making her the first Indian Navy ship to have an ATM.{{cite web|title=India's Largest Bank Teams up with The Nation's Largest Warship|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indias-largest-bank-teams-nations-largest-warship|website=Indian Navy|access-date=26 February 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062727/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indias-largest-bank-teams-nations-largest-warship|archive-date=27 February 2017}}

In January 2020, Vikramaditya was used to undertake the first carrier trials of the naval version of the HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. Over eight to ten days, the Tejas was launched and recovered several times as part of the aircraft's initial test phase. The Tejas was the first indigenous Indian aircraft to both land on and take off from an Indian aircraft carrier.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/naval-light-combat-aircraft-takes-off-from-ins-vikramaditya-for-first-time/story-8mfMD9bvwPBj6KqrB20UnI.html|title=With ski jump, naval light combat aircraft takes off from INS Vikramaditya for 1st time|date=2020-01-12|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2020-02-06}}

In June 2023, Indian Navy showcased the dual carrier operations including INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant (R11). The exercise included 35 aircraft including MiG 29K, MH 60R, Kamov Ka 31, Sea King, Chetak and HAL Dhruv. This helped in the integration of the aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy and displayed the maritime prowess of India.{{Cite web |title=COMBINED OPERATIONS OF INS VIKRAMADITYA AND INS VIKRANT |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1931254 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=pib.gov.in}}

In mid February 2024, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya participated in Milan 2024 multinational naval exercise hosted by Indian Navy along with other ships, submarines and aircraft of friendly foreign nations. The concluding ceremony of the sea phase of the exercise was hosted on board INS Vikrant.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-28 |title=Naval exercise Milan comes to a close aboard INS Vikrant in Vishakapatnam |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/milan-2024-navy-ins-vikrant-vikramaditya-vishakapatnam-2507959-2024-02-28 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=India Today |language=en}}

In late February and early March 2024, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant were again deployed for conducting joint operations on various locations along the Indian coastline with escorts. In the first week of March, while INS Vikramaditya was hosting the first half of the Indian Navy's Biannual Naval Commanders' Conference 2024, both carriers launched MiG-29K fighters simultaneously. In addition, the carriers accommodated and conveyed numerous reporters to report on the commissioning ceremony of INS Jatayu, located on Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago on the southwest coast of mainland India.{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Adithya Krishna |date=2024-03-10 |title=Indian Navy Conducts Dual Carrier Operations |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/indian-navy-conducts-dual-carrier-operations/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}

On 20 August 2024, INS Vikrant officially joined the Western Fleet, when deployed for a multi-domain exercise and twin carrier fighter operations in the Arabian Sea along with the Carrier Battle Group (CBG) led by INS Vikramaditya.

On 5 and 6 October, Carrier Strike Groups of the Indian Navy and the Italian Navy led by INS Vikramaditya and ITS Cavour and accompanied by INS Visakhapatnam and ITS Alpino participated in a maritime bilateral exercise in the Arabian Sea. The exercise included aircraft like MiG-29K, F-35B and AV-8B Harrier II and integral helicopters. Operations in the sea phase included intense flight operations with fighter jets and helicopters for combined Large Force Engagements, Air Combat Missions, Helicopter Operations and Search & Rescue missions as well as co-ordinated weapon firings & joint manoeuvres to enhance joint operations, Command & Control capabilities and interoperability. The exercise also saw the participation of the Indian Air Force. During the Harbour Phase from 1 to 4 October, the exercise saw Subject Matter Expert exchanges and other key interactions as well as a Pre-Sail Planning Conference.{{Cite web |title=India's MiG-29s Fly With F-35, Harrier Jets In Exercise With Italian Navy |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indias-mig-29s-fly-with-f-35-harrier-jets-in-exercise-with-italian-navy-6738703 |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=NDTV.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Kalyan |title=India-Italy maiden Carrier Strike Groups exercise off the West Coast |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-italy-maiden-carrier-strike-groups-exercise-off-the-west-coast-3223126 |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}{{cite twitter |number=1843298620159701160 |user=indiannavy |title=Historic bilateral #maritime engagement b/n #IndianNavy & @ItalianNavy... |date=2024-10-07 |access-date=2024-10-08}}

The expected official life of INS Vikramaditya is 40 years.{{cite web|url=https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/mediawiki/index.php/INS_Vikramaditya-Class_Indian_Aircraft_Carrier|title=INS Vikramaditya-Class Indian Aircraft Carrier| website=Odin US Army TRADOC |access-date=31 August 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-vikramaditya-will-serve-navy-for-30-years/article4996525.ece|title="INS Vikramaditya will serve Navy for 30 years"|date=7 August 2013|author=S. Anandan|access-date=31 August 2022|publisher=The Hindu Online}} As of 3 February 2025, the carrier has an operational life of 10 years.{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2025-02-02 |title=Navy Gets Replacement For MQ-9B Drone That Crashed In September |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!bharat/navy-gets-replacement-for-mq-9b-drone-that-crashed-in-september-enn25020204351 |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}}

• On 8 December 2015, Indian Defence-Ministry sources stated that the INS Vikramaditya would receive its first major overhaul in September 2016 as part of the "Make in India" initiative. The state-owned Cochin Shipyards and the Pipavav shipyards will overhaul the carrier once she is in dry dock.{{cite web |last=Kulkarni |first=Pranav |date=8 December 2015 |title=INS Vikramaditya set for first overhaul in September |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/ins-vikramaditya-set-for-first-overhaul-in-september/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111053938/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/ins-vikramaditya-set-for-first-overhaul-in-september/ |archive-date=11 January 2016 |access-date=30 December 2015 |work=IndianExpress}} In September 2016, Vikramaditya was dry-docked in Kochi for a month-long refit by Cochin Shipyards; the refit was completed in November, a month ahead of schedule.{{Cite web |date=14 November 2016 |title=CSL completes refit of Indian Navy's aircraft-carrier INS Vikramaditya |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newscsl-completes-refit-of-indian-navys-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya-5667275 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116102004/http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newscsl-completes-refit-of-indian-navys-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya-5667275 |archive-date=16 November 2016 |access-date=15 November 2016 |website=NavalTechnology.com |df=dmy-all}}
• On 30 November 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Cochin Shipyards for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya at an overall cost of {{INRConvert|1207.5|c|lk=on|year=2024}}.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-30 |title=MoD inks contract worth ₹1207 Cr with Cochin Shipyard Limited for Short Refit and Dry Docking of INS Vikramaditya |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2079380 |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Press Information Bureau}}

File:INS_Vikramaditya_Squadron_Photo.jpg posing aboard Vikramaditya, with which they are affiliated. In the background are insignia of all the squadrons affiliated with the ship.]]

On 17 January 2018, Vikramaditya was ceremonially affiliated to the following formations:{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/affiliation-ins-vikramaditya-bihar-regiment-and-no-6-squadron-indian-air-force|title=Indian Navy Press Release, dated 18 January 2018.|website=www.indiannavy.nic.in|language=en|access-date=18 January 2018}}

• Bihar Regiment
• No. 6 Squadron IAF

On 10 June 2016, while undergoing a scheduled major refit of INS Vikramaditya,{{Cite web|last=Pandit|first=Rajat |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/INS-Vikramaditya-aircraft-carrier-accident-2-killed/articleshow/52693139.cms|title=Accident on aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, 2 killed|website=The Times of India|date=10 June 2016|access-date=14 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160612133212/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/INS-Vikramaditya-aircraft-carrier-accident-2-killed/articleshow/52693139.cms|archive-date=12 June 2016}} two people were killed by a toxic gas leak that occurred during maintenance work in the Sewage Treatment Plant compartment of INS Vikramaditya at Karwar. Two other people were injured and taken to the naval hospital.{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/two-killed-in-toxic-gas-leak-on-board-ins-vikramaditya/story-l3XDbxZ5WgO3kjB9FPh9iI.html|title=Two killed in toxic gas leak on board INS Vikramaditya|date=10 June 2016|work=Hindustan Times |access-date=14 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614032708/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/two-killed-in-toxic-gas-leak-on-board-ins-vikramaditya/story-l3XDbxZ5WgO3kjB9FPh9iI.html|archive-date=14 June 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/ins-vikramaditya-gas-leak-two-dead-2846078/|title=Two killed on board INS Vikramaditya after toxic gas leak |date=10 June 2016|website=The Indian Express |access-date=14 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613101733/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/ins-vikramaditya-gas-leak-two-dead-2846078/|archive-date=13 June 2016}}

On 28 February 2017, a MiG-29K aircraft that took off from Vikramaditya had to make an emergency landing at Mangalore International Airport due to hydraulic failure.{{cite web |last=Dwarakanath|first=Nagarjun |url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html |title=Navy's Fighter Jet Makes Emergency Landing at Mangaluru |publisher=CNN-News18|date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228215056/http://www.news18.com/news/india/navys-fighter-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-mangaluru-1354567.html |archive-date=28 February 2017 }}

On 26 April 2019, one naval officer died of smoke inhalation at Karwar's naval hospital INHS Patanjali, and seven others were injured after fighting a fire that erupted in the boiler room of Vikramaditya on her course to INS Kadamba.{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/apr/26/naval-officer-dies-while-fighting-fire-on-board-ins-vikramaditya-probe-ordered-1969318.html|title=Naval officer dies while fighting fire on board INS Vikramaditya, probe ordered |date=26 April 2019|work=The New Indian Express |access-date=26 April 2019}}

A MiG 29KUB disembarking from INS Vikramaditya enroute to INS Hansa crashed in the sea on 26 November 2020, resulting in the death of a pilot, Commander Nishant Singh.{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/engine-design-deficiencies-third-crash-puts-russian-mig-29k-back-in-focus/553973/|title=Engine, design deficiencies — Third crash puts Russian MiG-29K back in focus |date=29 November 2020|author=Snehesh Alex Philip |access-date=31 August 2022|website=The Print Online}}

On 20 July 2022, a fire broke out during a planned sortie for conducting sea trials off Karwar in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. No casualties were reported.{{cite news |last1=Naik |first1=Yogesh |title=Incident of fire reported onboard aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/fire-incident-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya-8042182/ |access-date=20 July 2022 |agency=The Indian Express |date=20 July 2022}}

• List of active Indian Navy ships
• List of aircraft carriers in service
• List of naval ship classes in service
• Carrier battle groups of India
• {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Liaoning}} – also originally laid down for the Soviet Navy.
• {{INS|Vikrant (2013)}}
• {{ship|INS|Vishal}}

{{Reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book|last=Verma|first=Bharat|title=Indian Defence Review Vol. 26.3 Jul-sep 2011.|year=2011|publisher=Lancer Publication|isbn=978-8170622314|ref={{sfnref|Bharat_Verma|2011}}}}
• {{cite book|last=Brien|first=Terry|title=Twenty Twenty Gk Eng 2012|year=2012|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=978-1259001192|ref={{sfnref|Terry_Brien|2012}}}}

{{Commons category|INS Vikramaditya (ship, 1982)}}

• [http://ishare.rediff.com/video/news-politics/ins-vikramaditya-hits-water/550939 Video: INS vikramaditya hits water]
• Defense Industry Daily – [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/ins-vikramaditya-may-hit-delay-cost-increases-03283/ INS Vikramaditya Hits Delay, Cost Increases]. Covers the program's full history, the ship's aerial complement, and associated events.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120710061819/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Ships/Future/193-INS-Vikramaditya.html INS Vikramaditya – Bharat Rakshak]
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100922054028/http://www.jeffhead.com/worldwideaircraftcarriers/vikram.htm Photos, models & information at Worldwide Aircraft Carriers]}}
• [https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Severodvinsk&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&ei=POfnSdiWCMGO_QbBrdHRAw&t=h&hq=&hnear=Russian+Federation,+Province+of+Arkhangelsk,+Severodvinsk&ll=64.580894,39.808767&spn=0.002763,0.008315&z=17 Satellite Photo of INS VIKRAMADITYA in Severodvinsk from the Google Maps]
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100922054028/http://www.jeffhead.com/worldwideaircraftcarriers/vikram.htm INS VIKRAMADITYA on World-wide Aircraft Carriers]}}

{{Kiev class aircraft carrier}}

{{Indian Navy aircraft carriers}}

{{Ship classes of the Indian Navy}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vikramaditya}}

Category:1982 ships

Category:Aircraft carriers of India

Category:India–Russia relations

Category:Aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy

Category:Kiev-class aircraft carriers

Category:Memorials to Vikramaditya

Category:Ships built at the Black Sea Shipyard

Category:Ships built in the Soviet Union