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1 Dec 2007, 0343 hrs IST,Rajat Pandit,TNN
NEW DELHI: Problems with Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov notwithstanding, India in the next five to seven years will deploy two potent carrier battle groups (CBGs) to project power as well as act as a 'stabilising influence' in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.
"We will have at least two CBGs, supported by long-range fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, modern destroyers and frigates for sea control, apart from submarines and coastal defence elements for sea denial," said Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta, in an exclusive interview to TOI.
Though two CBGs might seem paltry compared to the 11 American CBGs or "carrier strike groups" deployed around the globe, they will be enough to protect India's growing strategic interests in the region stretching from Africa's eastern coast right up to Malacca Strait. The basic aim behind a powerful three-dimensional naval force, with the 'blue-water element' jumping from the present 40% to 60%, is to "keep our primary area of interest in IOR under adequate surveillance and to ensure our economic activity is not hindered by anyone", said Admiral Mehta.
But with Russia now demanding a staggering $1.2 billion more to refurbish Admiral Gorshkov, apart from pushing back its delivery date to 2012-2013, coupled with delays in other projects, is the Navy not fretting about its plans going haywire?
Yes, there is some worry. But there is also hope that problems with Russia will be sorted out soon. The 44,570-tonne Gorshkov, rechristened INS Vikramaditya, was initially supposed to join Indian Navy by August 2008 as per the $1.5-billion package deal signed in January 2004.
The deal includes 16 MiG-29K 'Fulcrum' supersonic fighters and a mix of Ka-31 and Ka-28 helicopters to operate from the carrier. India has already paid around $460 million of the $974 million earmarked for Gorshkov's refit.
"It's a fixed price contract arising out of an inter-governmental agreement. It's an obligation of the Russian government to provide us with the warship, with the characteristics laid down in the contract," said Admiral Mehta.
"They now tell us they have come across some unforeseen requirements in the modernisation work on the carrier...discussions are being held to arrive at some conclusion soon," he added. What he left unsaid was that while India would be ready to pay another $500 million or so extra, an amount like $1.2 billion will make the project simply unsustainable.
Though it's being seen as a bargaining ploy by Russia, there is also the possibility that India might scrap the entire deal if Moscow does not budge from its stand. Be that as it may, Navy is planning another refit of its aging but still powerful 28,000-tonne carrier INS Viraat in 2008 to take care of any contingency.
Then, of course, there is the 37,500-tonne indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) being built at Cochin Shipyard. But its delivery is likely to be possible only by 2014-2015 or so, instead of the revised deadline of 2012.
The Navy chief, however, is not too much worried. "We are monitoring IAC's progress. It should not be delayed beyond 2012. The second IAC is already on the drawing board. At least three IACs are planned," he said.
Navy chief: Russia has to honour Gorshkov deal -India-The Times of India
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Navy to carry out refurbishment of INS Viraat
PTI
Friday, November 30, 2007 18:10 IST
MUMBAI: With indications of delay in the delivery of aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov from Russia, the Indian Navy will carry out a "normal" refurbishment of INS Viraat to extend its life, a top official said on Friday.
"There is a slippage of around one to one-and-half years in the delivery of Gorshkov due to various reasons. Virat has life in it and we will be carrying out a year-long refit starting early next year so that the ship is healthy till Gorshkov comes," Flag Officer, Commanding-in-chief Western Naval command J S Bedi told here.
On a question regarding the strategic implications of the delay, Bedi said, "We would have been much happier if the Gorshkov comes on time...the refit of a 44,000 tonne massive ship is not easy."
Bedi said no new military hardware, except a new air surveillance radar, will be installed on the nearly fifty year-old carrier built by the British.
"Many internal parts of the ship tend to get corroded due to the elements on the sea and it is important to take care of the same," he said.
Bedi said ten of the total fleet of thirteen Sea Harrier aircraft, capable of short take-off and vertical landing, used on the aircraft carrier are already undergoing regular refit.
The British have stopped production of the plane and once the job is done, we would be able to use them till the decommissioning of Viraat, Bedi said.
Russians have reportedly demanded an increased amount of money than the contractual one citing cost escalation for delivery of Gorshkov which was to be delivered by early 2010.
DNA - Mumbai - Navy to carry out refurbishment of INS Viraat - Daily News & Analysis
NEW DELHI: Problems with Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov notwithstanding, India in the next five to seven years will deploy two potent carrier battle groups (CBGs) to project power as well as act as a 'stabilising influence' in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.
"We will have at least two CBGs, supported by long-range fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, modern destroyers and frigates for sea control, apart from submarines and coastal defence elements for sea denial," said Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta, in an exclusive interview to TOI.
Though two CBGs might seem paltry compared to the 11 American CBGs or "carrier strike groups" deployed around the globe, they will be enough to protect India's growing strategic interests in the region stretching from Africa's eastern coast right up to Malacca Strait. The basic aim behind a powerful three-dimensional naval force, with the 'blue-water element' jumping from the present 40% to 60%, is to "keep our primary area of interest in IOR under adequate surveillance and to ensure our economic activity is not hindered by anyone", said Admiral Mehta.
But with Russia now demanding a staggering $1.2 billion more to refurbish Admiral Gorshkov, apart from pushing back its delivery date to 2012-2013, coupled with delays in other projects, is the Navy not fretting about its plans going haywire?
Yes, there is some worry. But there is also hope that problems with Russia will be sorted out soon. The 44,570-tonne Gorshkov, rechristened INS Vikramaditya, was initially supposed to join Indian Navy by August 2008 as per the $1.5-billion package deal signed in January 2004.
The deal includes 16 MiG-29K 'Fulcrum' supersonic fighters and a mix of Ka-31 and Ka-28 helicopters to operate from the carrier. India has already paid around $460 million of the $974 million earmarked for Gorshkov's refit.
"It's a fixed price contract arising out of an inter-governmental agreement. It's an obligation of the Russian government to provide us with the warship, with the characteristics laid down in the contract," said Admiral Mehta.
"They now tell us they have come across some unforeseen requirements in the modernisation work on the carrier...discussions are being held to arrive at some conclusion soon," he added. What he left unsaid was that while India would be ready to pay another $500 million or so extra, an amount like $1.2 billion will make the project simply unsustainable.
Though it's being seen as a bargaining ploy by Russia, there is also the possibility that India might scrap the entire deal if Moscow does not budge from its stand. Be that as it may, Navy is planning another refit of its aging but still powerful 28,000-tonne carrier INS Viraat in 2008 to take care of any contingency.
Then, of course, there is the 37,500-tonne indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) being built at Cochin Shipyard. But its delivery is likely to be possible only by 2014-2015 or so, instead of the revised deadline of 2012.
The Navy chief, however, is not too much worried. "We are monitoring IAC's progress. It should not be delayed beyond 2012. The second IAC is already on the drawing board. At least three IACs are planned," he said.
Navy chief: Russia has to honour Gorshkov deal -India-The Times of India
--
-------
--
Navy to carry out refurbishment of INS Viraat
PTI
Friday, November 30, 2007 18:10 IST
MUMBAI: With indications of delay in the delivery of aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov from Russia, the Indian Navy will carry out a "normal" refurbishment of INS Viraat to extend its life, a top official said on Friday.
"There is a slippage of around one to one-and-half years in the delivery of Gorshkov due to various reasons. Virat has life in it and we will be carrying out a year-long refit starting early next year so that the ship is healthy till Gorshkov comes," Flag Officer, Commanding-in-chief Western Naval command J S Bedi told here.
On a question regarding the strategic implications of the delay, Bedi said, "We would have been much happier if the Gorshkov comes on time...the refit of a 44,000 tonne massive ship is not easy."
Bedi said no new military hardware, except a new air surveillance radar, will be installed on the nearly fifty year-old carrier built by the British.
"Many internal parts of the ship tend to get corroded due to the elements on the sea and it is important to take care of the same," he said.
Bedi said ten of the total fleet of thirteen Sea Harrier aircraft, capable of short take-off and vertical landing, used on the aircraft carrier are already undergoing regular refit.
The British have stopped production of the plane and once the job is done, we would be able to use them till the decommissioning of Viraat, Bedi said.
Russians have reportedly demanded an increased amount of money than the contractual one citing cost escalation for delivery of Gorshkov which was to be delivered by early 2010.
DNA - Mumbai - Navy to carry out refurbishment of INS Viraat - Daily News & Analysis
