Admiral Gorshkov will be tested by MiG-29K mockup

11.06.2010 Defense shipyard Sevmash received full-sized mockup of MiG-29K deck-based fighter which is to be used to test equipment of aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov being upgraded for India. According to ITAR-TASS, aircraft retaining device will be tested in June; the device retains aircrafts before full-thrust take-off.

Additionally, 12-ton MiG-29K mockup will be used to test other shipborne equipment while mooring trials.

The contract of Admiral Gorshkov's modernization and delivery to India was tied in 2004. According to the agreement, the carrier's hull was handed over to India free of charge providing that the ship would be upgraded by Russia and armed with Russian-made air group. Initially, cost of works and delivery of aircrafts was evaluated as $1.5 bln, although it was increased afterwards.

In March 2010 Russia and India signed supplementary agreement provided costs of works as $2.3 bln. The completely upgraded carrier is expected to be delivered to Indian Navy in 2012-2013. The ship will be renamed into Vikramaditya.