India Reviews New Gorshkov Cost, Schedule Plans
NEW DELHI - Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony told the Indian Parliament Nov. 30 that Russia has submitted a revised master schedule indicating delays and price increases to repair and re-equip the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, but no agreement has been reached.
Antony added, however, "The government has agreed to conduct negotiations for finalizing a revised repair and re-equipping contract. Negotiations are in progress with the Russian side. Details of final prices would be known only after completion of these negotiations."
In September, sources in the Indian Navy said that a settlement had been reached.
The aircraft carrier was given for free to the Indian Navy under a 2004 agreement in which India would pay for refit costs. The $1.5 billion contract included payment toward the delivery of 16 MiG 29K fighter jets and about $700 million toward the refit.
In early 2007, Moscow demanded an increase of as much as $1.6 billion for the refit, which the Indian Navy opposed paying.
India's only aircraft carrier, the INS Viraat, is 50 years old and is scheduled for decommissioning around 2011-12.
Help
