Go for Gorshkov: CCS nod for George to strike deal

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today authorised Defence Minister George Fernandes to sign an agreement with his Russian counterpart...

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today authorised Defence Minister George Fernandes to sign an agreement with his Russian counterpart Sergei Ivanov for the purchase of the 44,000-tonne aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.

The decision came after an hour of deliberations and a detailed presentation by the Vice-Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Arun Prakash. According to ministry sources, the CCS has asked Fernandes to go ahead with the deal when Ivanov arrives in Delhi on January 19.

It is understood that the CCS also discussed the billion-dollar Scorpene deal.

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The aircraft carrier, which has been negotiated for $1.687 billion, comes with 28 MiG-29K aircraft and six Kamov anti-submarine helicopters. While the Naval headquarters had completed price negotiations by November-end, the Russians were unhappy with the price. Last-minute negotiations with Russian officials finally clinched the deal.

The government’s nod comes as a major boost for the Navy. According to South Block sources, the Gorshkov and its squadron of MiG-29Ks is capable of operating in a 1,000-km radius and can serve as a floating airfield capable of taking on an adversary’s air force on its own.

‘‘While the Gorshkov will have its MiG-29K, the battle group will also consist of destroyers armed with the Brahmos missile, making it a formidable flotilla,’’ said a senior Defence official.