Indian Navy's Pride: Facts about INS Vikramaditya

Bangalore, Nov 15: Just as the nation and the

prepares to welcome the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, here are a few details that you must know about the aircraft carrier.

The INS Vikramadiyta was formerly known as Admiral Gorshkov. It was offered to India by the Russian government after India was looking for a replacement for INS Vikram. Negotiations with the Russian government started in 1994 to acquire Admiral Gorshkov.

Standing at a length of 284 m it will have naval combat aircraft MiG 29k along with Kamov 31 and Kamov 28, anti submarines warfare and surveillance helicopters.

The aircraft carrier weighs 44, 500 tonnes.

INS Vikramaditya weighs 44, 500 tonnes

About 40 percent of the carrier is original whereas remaining is newly retrofitted and upgraded with the entire process amounting to $2.3 billion. However it lacks in its own air defence missile system.

The Indian Navy chose Barak Missile, which will be fitted on the carrier once it arrives and this will help in protection from aerial attacks.

The carrier is renamed after legendary emperor of Ujjain, Vikramaditya, who i known for his strength and valour.

Defence Minister AK Anthony arrived in Russia for the commissioning of INS Vikramaditya, which will arrive in Karwar after its two month voyage. An escort group of warships will be side by side INS Vikramaditya enroute to the India.

(With PTI inputs)

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