"The delivery of aircraft carrier Vikramaditya has been delayed to the last quarter of 2013", Defence Minister A K Antony said in Lok Sabha.
In reply to a written query, the minister said original cost of the project was finalised at $978.4 million in 2004 for its delivery in 2008 but in 2010, it was "renegotiated and revised" to $2.3 billion for delivery in 2012.
"The total cost of the project would remain at $2.3 billion at the time of delivery in last quarter of 2013," Antony informed the House.
INS Vikramaditya at sea trials ( Image Courtesy - jeffhead.com )
On steps to meet operational preparedness of the Navy, the Defence Minister said, "In the interim, the operational requirement of the Navy would be met by INS Viraat, which would remain in service till the induction of Vikramaditya."
Antony said during trials of the warship in 2012, tests on the main propulsion plant could not be completed due to defects encountered on boiler section and its rectification is likely to take six months. However, during trials the aircraft carrier has performed well in almost all other areas including Mig 29 K take off and landings.
News Courtesy - economictimes.indiatimes.com
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