07.10.2009
India transferred $102 mln for modernization of heavy air-capable cruiser Vikramaditya, former Russian Admiral Gorshkov, says Vedomosti. That was said to the newspaper by Nikolai Kalistratov, Director General of Sevmash shipyard upgrading the aircraft carrier.
Appropriation of funds was approved by Indian government. It was previously reported that the money would be transferred to
Sevmash shipbuilding company before talks on modernization of air-capable cruiser are over.
Anatoly Isaikin, Director General of
Rosoboronexport said in his turn that negotiations with India on issues of aircraft carrier reequipment are almost finished, quotes
Interfax. Isaikin said that every point of additional works list was discussed during talks, but he didn't specify any particulars concerning the cost of modernization.
Procurement and modernization contract of
Admiral Gorshkov, called in India as the most problematic bargain with Russia, was signed in 2004. According to its initial terms, total cost of cruiser's modernization would make $1.5 bln, about half of the sum was intended for purchase aircrafts
MiG-29K and
MiG-29KUB. The upgrade was planned to be completed in 2008, although Russian party requested additional financing at the rate of $1 bln (Indian media mentioned $2 bln).
The aircraft carrier transaction is considered unprofitable both in Russia and in India. According to Indian Audit Chamber, domestically produced aircraft carrier would be cheaper while its life term would be twice longer. Construction of the first Indian aircraft carrier was started in February 2009; it is scheduled to be commissioned in 2014.
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