Information Pool on INS VIKRAMADITYA

[Major Shaitan Singh]

USS / light multi-purpose aircraft carrier - a variant of restructuring heavy aircraft carrier aircraft carrier with springboard (angle of 12.5 degrees) normal take-off deck aircraft. On the ship dismantled weapons, upgrade equipment.

The ship is designed for the Indian Navy, and under the name of "the Vikramaditya" is being upgraded at "Sevmash" (Severodvinsk). Designer - Neva Design Bureau, Chief Designer - B.V.Shmelev. The project includes two starting positions with gaz baffling shields. Installation of REO and Indian systems of production to be carried out in India at the shipyard in g.Kochine. Transfer the carrier of India of 2010 (and later) is planned for 4 December 2012. In connection with malfunctions boilers propulsion system found to September 17, 2012, the ship was returned for improvements at "Sevmash". Final transfer of a ship in India is planned for the end of 2013

The first touch of the MiG-29KUB deck of aircraft carrier poizvedeny July 17, 2012, the crew - Diorditsa Nikolay and Mikhail Belyaev. The first landing on the deck of the aircraft carrier took place July 29, 2012 made a landing MiG-29KUB crew - Diorditsa Nikolay and Mikhail Belyaev. On the same day the plane took off from an aircraft carrier and re-planting.

March 27, 2013 Guidance on "Sevmash" has acted with a number of applications :

• - boiler repair the main power plant of an aircraft carrier to be completed in May 2013
• - the test carrier is scheduled for July 3 (26/6/2013 was confirmed) 30 September 2013 .
• - during state testing on board the aircraft carrier will be the same and the Indian crew - 1326 people.
• - Joint Test Wing and the ship is scheduled to begin August 3, 2013 in the Barents Sea (confirmed 26.06.2013 city).
• - November 15, 2013 is planned to transfer an aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, followed by a transition to a place of permanent basing - India (confirmed 26.06.2013 and of 09.29.2013, the).

Return to Severodvinsk to test pr.11430 aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya", 20.09.2013 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov,http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).

USS pr.11430 "Vikramaditya" on the sea trials. 2013 ( http://www.livefistdefence.com/ ).

USS pr.11430 "Vikramaditya" goes to sea for sea trials. Severodvinsk, 3 July 2013 (photo - Yuri Gnatyuk, http://gnatyuk.livejournal.com/).

USS pr.11430 "Vikramaditya" in the Barents Sea, 14-15 September 2012 (photo - Igor Kondranin, source ).

INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy and the SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" pr.941UM at "Sevmash" in Severodvinsk, photo - November 2011 (photo from nosikot, archive http://navy-rus.livejournal.com ).


On sea trials after repair ship came July 3, 2013 After the successful completion of courses and flight test an aircraft carrier 20 September 2013 returned to Severodvinsk.

November 16, 2013 in Severodvinsk aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya" pr.11430 transferred to India. On the ship hoisted the Indian flag and the November 26, 2013 the ship departed from Severodvinsk to India. In January 2014 the ship is expected to arrive to the shores of India and the start of operation in the Indian Navy.

Construction - body has 18 major transverse and longitudinal watertight bulkheads 2. Unsinkable ship is provided in case of flooding of any 4 adjacent compartments. The walls of the hangar had a book unlike previous ships of the project, which led to an increase in the displacement of 1,700 tons.

Model aircraft carrier museum in pr.11430 Nevsky PKB ( http://pilot.strizhi.info )

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

The appearance of the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (Figure 2008-2010, http://www.india-defence.com )

The propulsion system - boiler-turbine powerplant, created on the basis of GEM cruisers .
4 shafts with fixed pitch propellers.
- 8 x high-pressure turbine boilers KVG-3D new construction in 4 independent turbokotelnyh groups in two separate engine compartment - bow and stern. Developer boilers - Special Boiler Design Bureau (SKBT), the manufacturer - the Baltic Shipyard. The first boiler is a new design was used for testing and training.
Boiler weight - 37.5 tons
capacity - 8 x 100 tons of steam per hour
of steam pressure - 64 kg / cm²
Steam temperature - 470 degrees C
- 4 x main steam turbine GTZA TV 12-3 with a capacity of 45,000 hp (a total of 180,000 hp).

On aircraft carriers, etc.. 11430 boiler and turbine installation of upgraded - used instead of fuel oil diesel fuel. Thermal insulation of boilers re done using a special refractory bricks instead of asbestos insulation.

Azimuth group of aircraft carrier "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov" pr.11434 - future aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya Indian Navy. PO "Sevmash", g.Severodvins (top photo - 21.10.2008 file photo igorriw, http://igorriw.livejournal.com/ , bottom photo - kikoz13, http://russiannavy.ru ).

Energy: electric power system is similar ships . Automated Control System energy system - "Terek 2".
6 x 1500 kW turbine generators
4 x 1500 kW diesel generator
reserve fuel oil - 8900 tons of

rescue equipment - 120 life rafts PSN-10M.

TTX ship :
Crew - 2042 people (including 430 persons Wing)

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Shooting is setting ZIF-121 complex PC-2 aircraft carrier Vikramaditya pr.11430, photo - 2012-2013 ( Http://www.militaryphotos.net ).

Superstructure TAKR "Baku" pr.11434, 1988 (photo - by Chris Howell is, http://www.shipspotting.com ).

The superstructure of an aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430, Severodvinsk, 08.04.2012 (photo - igorriw,http://igorriw.livejournal.com/ ).

Superstructure pr.11430 aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya". Navy Day parade in Severomorsk, 29.07.2012 (photo - Denis Nemetovsky,http://fotki.yandex.ru/users/den-n1977 ).

Superstructure pr.11430 aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya" in the summer of 2012 in Severodvinsk (photo - Alexander Petrov, http://ria.ru ).

The ship is equipped with two lifts:
- lifting capacity of 30 tons, 18.9 x 10 m;
- Lifting capacity of 20 tons, 18.9 x 4.8 m

Wing :
- pr.11430 - 24 MiG-29K / MiG-29KUB 5 verotoletov AWACS Ka-31 anti-submarine helicopters and Ka-28. Delivery of aircraft in India in 2010 made. Another option - 30-34 LA (option - 21 MiG-29K fighters, 13 helicopters Ka-28 and Ka-31, or aircraft 24 + 6 anti-submarine helicopters, "Sea King").

Projections carrier pr.11430 the Vikramaditya ( http://www.naval.com.br )

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Status : Russia (until the transfer of the Indian Navy).

- 1999 July - TAKR transferred to Severodvinsk and delivered to the dock by "Sevmash" in anticipation of the conversion on pr.11430 for India.

- 2005 November 30 - the ship was put into the filling basins "Sevmash" dock for repair and refurbishment. Carrying out the work to be completed in 2008

USS pr.11430 "the Vikramaditya" wound up in the inlet basins "Sevmash", November 30, 2005 ( http://www.nashflot.ru ).

USS pr.11430 "the Vikramaditya" in basin PO "Sevmash", December 12, 2005 ( http://www.nashflot.ru ).

USS pr.11430 "Vikramaditya". Installation of ramp at "Sevmash", January 17, 2008 ( http://www.nashflot.ru ).

The former aircraft carrier "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov" pr.11434 - the future aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya Indian Navy at "Sevmash" in Severodvinsk, very 2008 (photo - kikoz13, http://russiannavy.ru ).

- 2008 - India suspends payments under contracts, "Sevmash" suspend the modernization of work (order of events can be changed).

The former aircraft carrier "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov" pr.11434 - the future aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya Indian Navy in basin PO "Sevmash" in Severodvinsk, 24.11.2008 ( http://chhindits.blogspot.com ).

USS pr.11430 "Vikramaditya". the conclusion of the filling basins "Sevmash", December 4, 2008 ( http://www.nashflot.ru ).

- 2010 May 12 - the press service of the "Sevmash" said the delivery of the aircraft carrier to the customer is planned for 2012

- 2011 On March 01 - the ship has started mooring trials. Sea trials scheduled to begin in late 2011.

The aircraft carrier Vikramaditya in the completion of Severodvinsk, 07.05.2011 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov,http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com ).

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

The aircraft carrier Vikramaditya in the completion of Severodvinsk, the beginning of July, 2011 (photo - varandej,http://varandej.livejournal.com ).

- 2011 27 September - during a visit by "Sevmash" inspection team of the Indian Navy announced that the Indian Navy and the PO "Sevmash" reached an agreement to begin sea trials the aircraft carrier at the end of May 2012. It was noted that the progress of work on aircraft carrier behind schedule by 4 months. In January 2012, it is planned to begin testing the main power plant. Outfitting work on the aircraft carrier is scheduled for completion in March 2012. To date, it is believed that 85% of the work performed. Plan to make the transfer of the aircraft carrier India 4 December 2012 have not changed.

Future aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya Indian Navy at "Sevmash" in Severodvinsk, the photo - September 2011 (photo - O.Perov, Shipwright, of 29.09.2011 and 18.10.2011, the).

INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy at "Sevmash" in Severodvinsk, the photo - September-October 2011 (photo - O.Perov, Shipwright, 10.11.2011 city).

- 2011 November - was planned in the course of 2011 the beginning of the period of sea trials the aircraft carrier pr.11430. At the beginning of the month it is planned to start commissioning the main boiler of the power plant.

- 2011 22 December - in an interview with the media responsible deliverer ship Igor Leonov announced the test plans. In December 2011, it has produced the launch of one of the 4 ship turbines. 26.12.2011 was planned to launch one of eight steam boilers. In late December, 2011 - the beginning of January 2012 it is planned to conduct inspections of all turbines and up to the end of January all GEMs boilers should be checked. At the end of January 2011 it is planned to begin full-scale testing of GEM. In February-March 2012, the expected completion of the commissioning work on the electrical and avionics. At the beginning of April 2012 It planned to deliver the ship to the stand bezobmotochnogo demagnetization. May 25, 2012 planned output of the ship for the first phase of sea trials in the Barents Sea. In the second phase of tests will check the operation of the aviation complex - it is planned to allocate 3.5 months. Routine tests planned to be combined with the moves. In November 2012 the ship is scheduled to return to the PO "Sevmash" to remove comments and in December 2012, the plan to transfer the Indian Navy ship.

- 2012 February - in the 8th and 9th districts of ship building housed the staff of the ship's crew in the number of 360 people. In t.ch.49 people (watch) are on the ship around the clock. The personnel engaged in the study of the material. It scheduled to ship output for the first phase of sea trials in the Barents Sea. In the second phase of tests will check the operation of the aviation complex - it is planned to allocate 3.5 months. Routine tests planned to be combined with the moves. In November 2012 the ship is scheduled to return to the PO "Sevmash" to remove comments and in December 2012, the plan to transfer the Indian Navy ship. - 2012 February - in the 8th and 9th districts of ship building housed the staff of the ship's crew in the number of 360 people. In t.ch.49 people (watch) are on the ship around the clock. The personnel engaged in the study of the material. It scheduled to ship output for the first phase of sea trials in the Barents Sea. In the second phase of tests will check the operation of the aviation complex - it is planned to allocate 3.5 months. Routine tests planned to be combined with the moves. In November 2012 the ship is scheduled to return to the PO "Sevmash" to remove comments and in December 2012, the plan to transfer the Indian Navy ship. - 2012 February - in the 8th and 9th districts of ship building housed the staff of the ship's crew in the number of 360 people. In t.ch.49 people (watch) are on the ship around the clock. The personnel engaged in the study of the material. In November 2012 the ship is scheduled to return to the PO "Sevmash" to remove comments and in December 2012, the plan to transfer the Indian Navy ship. - 2012 February - in the 8th and 9th districts of ship building housed the staff of the ship's crew in the number of 360 people. In t.ch.49 people (watch) are on the ship around the clock. The personnel engaged in the study of the material. In November 2012 the ship is scheduled to return to the PO "Sevmash" to remove comments and in December 2012, the plan to transfer the Indian Navy ship. - 2012 February - in the 8th and 9th districts of ship building housed the staff of the ship's crew in the number of 360 people. In t.ch.49 people (watch) are on the ship around the clock. The personnel engaged in the study of the material.

The aircraft carrier Vikramaditya receives 3,350 tons of fuel from the tanker "Neptune" PO "Sevmash", Severodvinsk, the last of March 2012 (photo - Oleg Petrov, "Shipwright" of 03.04.2012).

- 2012 On March 27 - completed the trial starts all 4 GTZA ship conducted trial work "on the screw" every pot stern and bow trains are running. There is commissioning of the steam equipment.

- 2012 On March 28 - Severodvinsk when starting the engine on the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya explosion with damage to the flue pipe of one of the eight boilers. turbonadduvochny boiler and the unit is not damaged and are in working order. Fire or other visible effects of not (ist -. Blog Oleg Kuleshov, "Vikramaditya" are preparing to leave ... ).

- 2012 On April 06 - the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya disconnected from shore communications, and moved away from the pier by "Sevmash" on stand bezobmotochnogo demagnetization.

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 before going to demagnetization, next - pr.1164 missile cruiser "Marshal Ustinov", Severodvinsk, 06.04.2012 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov, http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 the section of demagnetization, Severodvinsk, 06.04.2012 (photo - Oleg Perov, "Shipwright", 10.04.2012 city).

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 the section of demagnetization, Severodvinsk, 07.04.2012 (photo - igorriw,http://igorriw.livejournal.com/ ).

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 the section of demagnetization, Severodvinsk, 07.04.2012 (photo - Oleg Perov, "Shipwright", 12.04.2012 city).

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 the section of demagnetization, Severodvinsk, 14.04.2012 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov,http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 the section of demagnetization, Severodvinsk, 14.04.2012 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov,http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).


- 2012 May 17 - planned at the beginning of March 2012 exam personnel of the crew on the knowledge of the material of the ship.

- 2012 May 25 - planned in December 2011, the release date of the ship on the sea trials.

- 2012 On June 8 - early aircraft carrier started sea trials from Severodvinsk.

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 out on sea trials, Severodvinsk, 08.06.2012 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov,http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 out on sea trials, Severodvinsk, 08.06.2012 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov,http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 Severomorsk, 08.07.2012, the (fragment Photo - gorbatyy111, http://russianplanes.net/id80998).

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 Severomorsk, 09.07.2012 (photo - gorbatyy111, http://russianplanes.net/id81047 ).

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya pr.11430 Severomorsk, 09.07.2012, the (fragment Photo - gorbatyy111, http://russianplanes.net/id81047).

Touching the deck of aircraft carrier Vikramaditya aircraft MiG-29KUB, 17.07.2012, the ( http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).

USS pr.11430 "Vikramaditya" in the Navy Day parade in Severomorsk, 29.07.2012 (photo - Denis Nemetovsky,http://fotki.yandex.ru/users/den-n1977 ).

One of the first MiG-29KUB landings on the deck of the aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya" pr.11430. August 2012 (http://shaktiraj25.blogspot.ru ).

USS forth. 11430 "Vikramaditya" in the Barents Sea on the tests. 2012 (file photo Oleg Kuleshov, http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).

- 2012 September 17 - the information appeared in the media that the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier sea trials in the Barents Sea hold. The reason - the failure of the three (seven according to other sources) of the eight high-pressure boilers of the ship propulsion system. Boilers fail in tests on the ship's movement at the maximum speed - according to part of the media happened at the end of July 2012 Reason output boilers down - the destruction of thermal insulation made at the request of the Indian side with no asbestos (as previously) and using the ceramic (brick) insulation. Presumably the destruction was caused by insulation including probably insufficient testing a new type of thermal insulation. Media sources predict the transfer of the transmission carrier in India to 2013 - called the period from summer until October 2013

Return to Severodvinsk at "Sevmash" pr.11430 aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya", 23.09.2012 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov, http://www.sevmash.ru is ).

USS pr.11430 "Vikramaditya" in the summer of 2012 in Severodvinsk (photo - Alexander Petrov, http://ria.ru ).

- 2012 On December 04 - a scheduled as of April 2010 deadline aircraft carrier to the customer. The term of an aircraft carrier to the customer was confirmed in December 2011

- 22 March 2013 - the ship is at "Sevmash", the forces of the Baltic Shipyard (St. Petersburg) is carried out repairs of boilers of the propulsion system. Prior to March 20 must repair the four boilers have been completed, the work on the remaining four boilers scheduled to be completed after the conclusion of the ship out of the pool by "Sevmash". Currently, the Indian aircraft carrier preparing for docking, April 18 factory tugs will be allocated an order from the pier, and two days later will begin production of an aircraft carrier in the flooding basin. The output of the ship hydro is scheduled for June 16 ( the source ).

- 2013 On June 06 - Media reports ,

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

USS pr.11430 "Vikramaditya" goes to sea for sea trials. Severodvinsk, 3 July 2013 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov,http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).

- 2013 30 July - the aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya" completed the first stage of the program of state tests in the White Sea. In the White Sea were performed basic testing stages main power plant (GEMs) aircraft carrier, namely to ensure the combat economic progress.GEM also has been tested in full speed mode at 24 knots. On Saturday night, July 28, the "Vikramaditya" has reached the maximum stroke to 29.2 knots. Flight tests planned to be carried out in the Barents Sea. The test vehicle is started July 3, 2013 State tests scheduled to be completed Sept. 30, and on 15 October the ship to pass India ( source ).

- 2013 On September 20 - after the tests returned to Severodvinsk aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya". Tests completed successfully and the transfer will take place on an aircraft carrier in India November 15, 2013

Return to Severodvinsk to test pr.11430 aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya", 20.09.2013 (photo - Oleg Kuleshov,http://kuleshovoleg.livejournal.com/ ).

Export :
India
- 1996-2003 gg - Negotiations with India for the sale of the modernization of aircraft carrier pr.11434.

- 1998 On December 21 - initialed a preliminary agreement to buy the ship.

- 1999 On January 24 - the ship has visited Indian military delegation.

- 2004 - signed a contract to refit the ship for the Indian Navy in the amount of 1.5 billion USD.

- 2004 March 09 - under the name Vikramaditya ship enrolled in the lists of the Indian Navy and passes conversion to PO "Sevmash" in Severodvinsk on pr.11430. According to initial plans, the ship was planned commissioning in 2008

- 2010 September 16 - The Indian media quoted Indian Navy reported that the cost of the aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya" (Including 16 MiG-29K fighters and Ka-27 helicopters and Ka-31) increased and will amount to a total of 2.33 billion USD.
Including: . - 29 million USD - the content of 40 Indian specialists in Russia;
. - 85 million USD - the purchase of a full set of teh.dokumentatsii;
Initially, in 2004, it called the sum of 974 million USD.

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Journal of Defence Studies •
Summer 2008 103


 For India to defend its widely dispersed island territories, carrierbased
aviation may be a more cost-effective option as compared to land-based aircraft, which would need elaborate supporting
infrastructure. Besides the airfield, it will need an air-surveillance radar chain, a fixed anti-submarine sensor network, fuel stores, ammunition depots, and so on.

 In many cases, as compared to an airfield, a carrier is less vulnerable to the enemy’s pre-emptive strike due to its mobility. The Weak Case Against Carriers The arguments against a carrier essentially revolve around the increasing
operational vulnerability of such a high-value platform, which is bound to be a focal target for an adversary’s military strategy during war. It is true that a carrier is more prone to detection today due to the advent of spaced-based surveillance, unlike in the past when it could “hide” in the vast expanse of the ocean. It is also stated that once detected, it is also more assailable to sea-denial forces than hitherto. This assertion may however be too simplistic, and does not reckon the inherent defences of a carrier taskforce. .

The raison d’être of a carrier is to establish seacontrol (including air-dominance) in a sizable area around it, with its precise size being contingent upon the threat perception and the forces at the carrier’s disposal. This implies that before a carrier is put to sea, it must be capable of sanitising all possible threats (in all dimensions) in the sea-control area. The case against the carrier also pertains to some specific threats, which are examined and accounted for later. The hype on insecurity of a carrier largely stems from a larger fear – if the carrier is lost to the enemy, it would not only severely and irreversibly degrade the nation’s military capability, but will also lead to a major symbolic dent to its morale and pride: after all, nowhere in the annals of military history has the loss of a single asset to the enemy, including that of the battleship, ever been so damaging to national interest. The following accounts for the oft-stated arguments against the carrier and their inherent weakness.


Aircraft Carriers and India’s Naval Doctrine
104 Journal of Defence Studies • Vol. 2 No. 1 Vulnerability to Anti-Ship Missiles has Increased

The new generation anti-missiles like Exocet, Harpoon and Moskit are characterised by increasing lethality in terms of their speed; seaskimming flight profile to evade the targets radar; sophistication of its Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) to evade ship’s “softkill” defences, and so on. However, the technological effectiveness
of defence has also increased substantially, almost in tandem with the offence.

Besides, considering that the adversary is likely to resort to concentration of force to “saturate” its defences, tactical doctrines have been reoriented accordingly to bolster the defence. For example, it has now become necessary to destroy the launch-platform before it launches the missile. The platform could be a warship or a maritime patrol aircraft,
like the P-3C Orion operated by Pakistan. It could also be a submarine, which is examined later in greater detail. The value of “organic” aviation of a carrier here lies in the availability, at virtually immediate notice, of a means to search and positively identify distant hostile platforms, and thereafter “kill” these, before a missile launch. This makes the carrierborne
aircraft in anti-air, anti-ship and anti-submarine roles imperative, to protect not only the carrier and its escorts, but also other units operating in the area.

To cater for the possibility that the destruction of launch platform is not achieved, the many subsequent layers of defence directed at destruction of the incoming missiles are facilitated by the various sensors on the carrier taskforce units, including those of the carrier-borne Ka-31 helicopters that provide a continuous Air Early Warning (AEW) cover.

Furthermore, a carrier’s inherent battle-damage resistance is often underestimated. History has shown that large ships are significantly less vulnerable than small ships and can withstand high degrees of damage without loss. Even if a carrier is hit by one or two missiles, this is unlikely to affect even its fighting efficiency, let alone its ability to come back to
harbour or to stay afloat.

Journal of Defence Studies • Summer 2008 105

Vulnerability to Submarines has Increased

In the increasing “transparency” of maritime battlefield brought about by space and information technologies, the intrinsic attributes of underwater medium have undoubtedly provided an edge to the submarine. It is however important to note that an aircraft carrier can bring to bear substantial anti-submarine capabilities to prosecute the enemy submarine, much greater than what any taskforce devoid of a carrier can do. According to one account of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, had
INS Vikrant (with its Alize anti-submarine aircraft) not been deployed in the Bay of Bengal, the Pakistani submarines would not have been so successful in the Arabian Sea. (One of these sank even INS Khukri.)

The induction of underwater-launched long-range missiles by the submarines of India’s potential adversaries has presented a more serious threat. The Exocet (on Pakistan’s Agousta-class), Klub-S (on Chinese Kilo-class) and YJ-8-2 (on Chinese Song-class) are capable of striking a carrier at extended stand-off ranges. However, the employment of such capability must necessarily be preceded by precise location of the carrier through the submarine’s radar or electronic support measures (ESM).

A submarine is severely constrained here, since this would require it to come to the surface/periscope-depth, making it vulnerable to detection and prosecution. Even if it does so, due to the limited height of its radar/ ESM mast, its “horizon” for electronic search/tracking is extremely limited in relation to the maximum range of its missile.

Ties Down Substantial Forces in Escort Role

It is true that a carrier never sails in a “hostile” environment without numerous consorts in escort role to cater for a multi-dimensional threat. However, the argument that this “ties down” these forces is based on ignorance of the mutual support that carriers and the other ships offer as part of an integrated force. The carrier supports the consorts as
much as the consorts escort the carrier, if not more. Besides, a full- Aircraft Carriers and India’s Naval Doctrine

106 Journal of Defence Studies • Vol. 2 No. 1

Fledged protective “screen” around a carrier is not always necessary. In accordance with the prevailing threat scenario, the force commander can exercise his discretion to detach forces for other missions intimated by the shore command.
Besides, the “overwhelming” naval forces being employed for the protection of the carrier could be reduced significantly if the platform possesses adequate weapon-systems. To keep the cost low and have space for larger number of aircraft, this is not being resorted to by India in case of the Admiral Gorshkov(future INS Vikramaditya). Nonetheless,
it remains an option for India’s future carriers. Another option is to increase the carrier tonnage (size). This will enable the platform to carry more aircraft (in anti-ship and anti-submarine roles) for its own defence, without commensurately increasing its vulnerability in terms of radar signature or manoeuvrability.

It is pertinent to note the global technological developments in favour of the carrier. For example, the fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have already been operationalised in many countries. The induction of rotary-wing craft and underwater vehicles is on the anvil. In the coming years, such force-multipliers will further augment the defence of the carrier, which may reduce the necessity for a large number of escort vessels.

Acquisition and Operating Cost is Prohibitive

While a current-generation destroyer (5,000 tons displacement) costs about Rs. 3,000 crore, an aircraft carrier of about 35,000 tons displacement costs twice that amount. But this also indicates that the procurement cost of a carrier on a per-ton basis is substantially less than that of a destroyer. Furthermore, when seen in the context of a carrier’s ability to
perform varied roles, including that of a floating airfield, which no other type of naval asset can perform, the high induction and operating cost is well justifiable.


Journal of Defence Studies • Summer 2008 107

During the aircraft carrier debate in Australia in the 1970s, one of the proponents stated that “Virtually all weapon acquisitions are expensive; but a carrier to meet the… requirements need cost no more than two destroyers. And no other equipment acquisition can match the essential capability of the aircraft carrier at equivalent cost.”

Conclusion

Given the aforesaid considerations, prima facie, the imperative of including carriers in its naval doctrine far outweighs its cost, both financial and operational. It is important to remember that many of the arguments against the carrier mentioned in this paper were used even before World War II. The statistics of the war pertaining to allied forces later disputed these – in comparison to 11 per cent carriers, the allies lost 18 per cent battleships, 33 per cent cruisers, 36 per cent frigates, 21 per cent sloops and 37 per cent submarines.9 The post-Cold War global trends of carrier acquisitions are instructive. Despite the fact that only Indian and British carriers went into action in the Cold War-era, France, Italy, Spain and Thailand did not hesitate to acquire carriers.

Like India, China is another major regional power. With the exception of its maritime-territorial claims in the western Pacific, China’s emerging vital interests are likely to be similar to those of India. Although China has not yet operationalised a carrier, it is more due to geo-strategic compulsions specific to it, rather than for any reason applicable in Indian context. Furthermore, while such compulsions are likely to persist in the foreseeable future, Beijing has maintained a long-term vision to acquire carriers and has also been working towards it, such as in terms of formal induction in January 2007 of the old Soviet Varyag as Shilang (hull no 83) and the ongoing negotiations with Russia to procure the carriercapable SU-33 naval aircraft.

Aircraft Carriers and India’s Naval Doctrine

108 Journal of Defence Studies • Vol. 2 No. 1

In the US, the debate was not about the need of carriers, but their optimum numbers to support its global interests.10 Likewise, the debate in India must be on the number and size of its carriers, rather than on the platform per se.

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

INS Vikramaditya’s commanding officer, Commodore Suraj Berry, talks to RIR about the handover of the aircraft carrier to India, the training of Indian naval personnel and his experiences in Severodvinsk.

First of all, we would like to congratulate you on the successful completion of one of the most successful Indo-Russian military projects. Many Russian Naval personnel are envious about the fact you are going to get a state of the art aircraft carrier under your command that is more advanced than anything that Russia has. How do you feel at the moment and what are your main concerns at the moment?

Thank you very much for your kind wishes. I consider myself very fortunate to have been entrusted the command of this magnificent ship. While standing on the bridge and flight deck, I am conscious of this immense responsibility, trust and honour that has been bestowed upon me by the Indian Navy and my nation. The task of commissioning the ship and ensuring readiness of the crew for conduct of safe and efficient operational tasking along with flying is a challenge.

Effective planning, thorough professional training, creation of efficient operating procedures, high safety standards, institution of sound management and good administration principles along with the time honoured traditions, customs and discipline would effectively pave the way for the success of my team. The large number of officers and personnel of my crew are some of the finest professionals of our Navy and I am indeed very fortunate to be part of this team and their shipmate.

During the trials and refit of the ship you had to meet and cooperate with many people from the commissioning team. Could you tell us a little bit about the training of the Indian crew members?


Each time the Indian Navy acquired an aircraft carrier, it was a big induction, it is no different this time except the fact that this ship is the largest one to be acquired by the Indian Navy thus far. Displacing nearly 45,000 tonnes, the ship is indeed big. The advanced equipment and state of the art systems present peculiarities of handling and mastering. The Indian Navy selected well qualified personnel with adequate experience at sea and these personnel were put through an intense, well crafted and excellent training programme by the Russian Navy.

The methodology of training has suitably enabled all the Indian crew to imbibe the intricacies of operating and maintaining the ship. The experience of participating in the sea trials and practical training onboard has provided the crew an excellent opportunity to learn by observing the Russian specialists. Having been afforded the opportunity to steer the ship, anchor and manoeuvre her, I must say that the ship has excellent handling characteristics and steers much like a frigate belying its size. The power and manoeuvrability provide great flexibility in its operation.

Backed with experience of operating aircraft carriers and other helicopter carrying platforms, the Indian crew has been able to seamlessly gain hands-on experience on the equipment fitted onboard. The close association and mutual understanding with Russian crew has paved the way for a smooth transition for the Indian crew during trials and training, overcoming challenges and progressing towards independent operation of the ship. To summarize, I must say that each and every Russian crew has been outstanding and acted as a team.

How was the training of the Indian crew organised? Could you comment on the interaction with Russian Naval officers and sailors during the trials?


The interaction and professional understanding between the Russian and Indian Navy has been very good and has stood the test of time over decades. A sizable percentage of Indian Naval personnel have been in Russia for various projects in the past and fostered strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect. The bilateral exercise, ‘INDRA’ conducted annually between the two navies reflects the good and warm relations and is testimony of our commitment to each other.

The 12th Crew under command of Captain 1st Rank Igor Vaisilivich Raybko and the Indian commissioning crew have fostered close bonding during the course of trials. Whilst both the crew may not be proficient in the languages, the understanding is perfect and both crews joined hands in all evolutions onboard and have imbibed a good sense of mutual understanding. The joint planning/ coordination group of the Crew along with the Brigade Staff are responsible for the successful conduct of trials. Similarly, the joint working group on training has done a marvelous job in creating a unique concurrent trials and training programme onboard.

Onboard we undertook evolutions for trials, working side by side on the main propulsion plant, power generation/ distribution systems, radio electronic aids, handling movement of aircraft on deck, anchoring/ mooring to the buoy, tasks with boats etc. Our cooperation also extends to mutual participation in sports and cultural activities onboard. Both crews jointly celebrated the Russian Navy Day and Independence Day of India with flags of both countries flying side by side on the mast in 2012 and in 2013. This truly epitomized the joint-ness, mutual feeling of respect and understanding between the two crews. We are thankful for the professionalism of the Russian Navy and the support that they have rendered to us during each phase of the trials.

It is interesting to know what' route the carrier is going to follow while going from the White Sea to the Indian Ocean. When are you supposed to be received in India?

There are only two routes that the carrier can follow enroute to reaching its new port of Karwar in India. The primary route would be through the Suez Canal. In case of non-availability of services for passage through the Canal, the ship will sail around the Cape of Good Hope to India.

Could you please tell us about your family? How did they react to the news that you were appointed as the Commissioning Officer of Vikramaditya?


They felt very happy and honoured by the trust and faith reposed on me by our Navy.

What rules do you follow during important periods of your life and when you have to take individual decisions?

Work honestly and sincerely in the best interest of the Navy and the nation always. What’s good for the ship and Navy is good for all. Train and work hard as a team always, it’s the team and the ship that matter most. Forward planning and optimal utilisation of resources is key to success. Finally it’s the men behind the machine who are important. Indian Navy has excellent professionals who are ever willing and ready for any challenge, anywhere, anytime. It’s an honour to be part of such a force.

What memories will you keep about the time in Severodvinsk? Would you like to come back here again? For example to take a look at a cedar which you have planted yourself....


Severodvinsk has been a home away from home. The hospitality, respect and warmth that have been bestowed upon me in this maritime town has been unforgettable. I am sure that I will always remember Severodvinsk for the rest of my life. I would definitely like to come here again at some point of time and take a look at the cedar I have planted!

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

A NATO ship from Norway snooping on the Vikramaditya ...

The sensor buoys dropped by the NATO aircraft near the Vikramaditya to harvest acoustic data ...

Closeup view of the spy plane ...

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Dining Area