Vladimir Putin Arrives in Severodvinsk to Inspect INS Vikramaditya Taking Sea

22.05.2012 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin plans to visit Severodvinsk on May 25 to watch aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya taking the sea for the first time after shipyard phase of repairs, a source in Russian defense industry told Central Navy Portal.

Completion of dockside phase of works is an important milestone in the Russian-Indian contract on repair and modernization of INS Vikramaditya by Sevmash shipyard. According to the contract, the ship is to start sea trials on May 25. To fulfill contractual obligations, all capabilities of Sevmash shipyard are applied. High-ranking officials of the shipyard and shipbuilding industry reiterated about definitive meeting of that deadline.

The president will be accompanied by directors and top officials of United Shipbuilding Corporation, Rosoboronexport, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Defense Ministry, and other state agencies.

As the source assumed, apart from the carrier's trials, the contract for construction of Borei-A and Yasen submarines can be signed in Severodvinsk in the presence of Vladimir Putin or at least extended conference may take place in order to settle the problem. Recall that the contract on aforementioned submarines has not been signed so far due to pricing contradiction between defense ministry and United Shipbuilding Corporation.