Delay In Delivery of Admiral Gorshkov
The delivery of the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya has been delayed to the last quarter of 2013 as against envisaged delivery schedule of December, 2012. Earlier, the original delivery date / schedule was revised from August 2008 to December 2012. The aircraft carrier was subjected to extensive trials for the first time for 108 days from 8th June 2012 to 23rd September 2012, with a part of the Indian crew on board, undergoing training during the sea trials. While a substantial scope of ship's equipment and aviation trials were completed during this period, the main propulsion plant trials to full power could not be completed due to defects encountered on boiler section. Rectification of the defect is likely to take six months.
The Russian side has been requested to take up necessary measures to ensure delivery of ship in the last quarter of 2013.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to ShrimatiVasanthi Stanley and Shri Sanjay Rautin Rajya Sabha today.
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