New Delhi: INS Vikramaditya is the newer Aircraft Carrier to be inducted into Indian Navy in mid 2013.The ship has been renamed in honour of Vikramaditya, a legendary 1st century BC emperor of Ujjain, famed for his wisdom, valour and magnanimity.“Vikramaditya” stands for “Brave as the Sun”.INS Vikramaditya is the rechristened name of former Soviet Union Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov procured by India.Originally built as the Admiral Gorshkov in the Soviet Union, the $2.3 billion (about Rs. 12,500 crore) aircraft carrier is being refurbished by Russia, the world's second-largest arms exporter for India, its biggest customer.The induction of the 45,000-tonne aircraft carrier that can carry about 30-odd aircraft was delayed by almost a year, leading to a severe reprimand by Defence Minister AK Antony in October. The INS Vikramaditya can do a maximum of about 28 Knots per hour. In sea trials last year, the ship sailed for 100 days and its flight deck - the most critical part of an aircraft carrier - is operational, senior officials told. The MiG-29KUB two-seat naval fighter jet will be positioned on the Vikramaditya. It will be equipped with Russian-made KH-35 air to air missiles. But because the seas in Northern Russia are frozen, the INS Vikramaditya can sail out of the port only in June this year for "delivery acceptance trials" - the penultimate stage before a ship is commissioned. On acceptance of the ship from the builder, it will be formally commissioned with the Indian tri-colour being hoisted on top of ship after which start its journey to towards India. The Navy intends to commission the ship in Russia and sail it back to India by October- November 2013. It is expected to join active service by December.
