6 Feb 2013 15:34

Russia to start transferring Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to India at end of 2013

BANGALORE, India. Feb 6 (Interfax) - Russia plans to transfer the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy by the end of 2013, says Alexander Fomin, the director of the Russian Federal Military-Technological Cooperation Service.

"We plan to dry-dock the ship in April, start its trials in the summer, and start transferring the ship by the end of the year, in line with an agreed-upon schedule," Fomin said at a press conference under the Aero India 2013 air show on Wednesday.

The ship's repairs are proceeding in line with schedule and nearing completion, Fomin said. "The dismantling of equipment that went out of order has been completed, and the enterprise has started the active phase of its restoration," he said.